With temperatures expected to plummet into the 20s tonight, emergency officials in Marion County are opening shelters for those in need of a warm place to stay and urging residents to take precautions.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has announced that the Salvation Army will open its doors to provide refuge from the freezing conditions. The shelter is preparing for a potential increase in individuals seeking assistance as the cold front moves through the area over the next few days.
Those seeking shelter can check in starting at 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, located at 320 NW 1st Avenue in Ocala.
In addition to sheltering, homeowners are advised to check sprinkler and irrigation systems to ensure they are turned off and fully drained. Residents should also locate their main water shut-off valve and mark it for easy access in an emergency. If a home will be unoccupied during the freeze, officials recommend shutting off the main water supply.
While well-insulated homes and those on slabs may not need to drip faucets, those who choose to do so should slowly drip only the faucet farthest from the water shut-off valve. It is important to shut off the dripping faucet once temperatures rise above freezing to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the water system.
Residents should identify areas prone to freezing, such as crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and garages, and protect pipes in these areas. Exterior faucet heads should be covered with insulated covers or heat tape. To further strengthen defenses, sources of cold air near water lines should be eliminated by closing off crawl spaces and fixing drafty windows or doors.
Officials are also reminding the community to adhere to the four principles of cold weather safety: Protect people, pets, pipes, and plants from the harsh temperatures. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors if possible and check on neighbors, especially the elderly, as the freeze sets in overnight.