🌱 Birmingham Warming Center Open + Tornado Shelter Safety Tips

Hello, Birmingham! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 46 Low: 28.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. The City of Birmingham has opened a warming station due to the forecasted extreme weather. Those in need can stay safe at the Jimmie Hale Mission at 3420 2nd Ave. North, where food and a shower trailer will be available. The station will be open today, Jan. 14, from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. (WBRC)
2. Experts are warning against using mobile homes to take shelter from tornadoes. According to Jefferson County EMA’s Melissa Sizemore, tornado winds can lift mobile homes into the air — due to wind getting underneath the home, along with anybody who is taking shelter inside. Instead, Sizemore recommends seeking shelter in a gas station, a brick home, a storm shelter, or another student location. (WBRC)
3. Later this month, The University of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Mental Health will be hosting a summit on substance misuse stigma. The "Stop Judging; Start Healing Stigma Summit 2023" will be hosted at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Birmingham on Jan. 26. The event will feature topics including disease of addiction and stigma in the primary care setting, along with specials guests like Ryan Leaf, a former college and NFL football quarterback, who will discuss how substance misuse impacted his life. (Village Living)

Today in and around Birmingham:

• Breakfast Club, At Homewood Public Library, Homewood (9:30 AM)
• Women Gathering At The Well, At True Love Church Of Ensley (11:00 AM)
• Read Southall Band, At Saturn (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Dolly Parton's birthday is Jan. 19 — and that calls for a celebration! Here's how you can celebrate the Queen of Country. (Bham Now)
• On Friday, police investigated a homicide in the 800 Block of 1st Street West. (WBRC)
• Big plans are in the works to renovate the historic Sloss Quarters site in Birmingham. Click the link to view the renderings. (Bham Now)
• Birmingham Police Department reflected on the life and legacy of Sgt. Wytasha Carter and offer thoughts and prayers to the Carter family. Thank you, Sgt. Carter. (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)

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Events:

• Roaring 20’s Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Event at Birmingham’s Historic Arlington House (January 21)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you Monday for your next update.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.