Cold Weather Shelters Open in Sarasota County

UPDATE: The county announced that these shelters will again be open for Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

Center of Hope will open its doors at 6 p.m. to provide a warm place to hide from the expected chilly, below-freezing temperatures tonight.

Emergency Management officials remind residents to be prepared and use caution both indoors and outside.

“Temperatures are projected to drop rapidly below freezing overnight, particularly in inland areas,” said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane. “It is important that the community prepare for colder than usual conditions by taking precautions to protect their homes, families and pets.”

The Salvation Army and will staff three shelters opening at 6 p.m. today at the following locations:

• Salvation Army - Center of Hope, 1400 10th St., Sarasota 

• St. David's Episcopal Church, 401 S. Broadway, Englewood

• Center of Hope, 1216 E. Venice Ave., Venice 

The could produce dangerous wind chills.

Here are some additional tips to deal with the cold weather, provided by the county:

• Protect plants by covering or bringing them inside.

• Bring pets indoors.

• Anyone needing to be outside overnight or during the early morning hours should dress in several warm layers and limit skin exposure to the wind

• Use caution when heating homes, as the improper use of heating devices such as a space or kerosene heater increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Never use propane or gas heaters indoors, and be sure that electric space heaters are free from obstructions and are not located where they can be knocked over by children or pets,” said McCrane. “Never leave a lighted candle unattended, and always keep all flammable objects away from any heating devices.” 

For more information contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000 or visit the All Hazards web site at www.scgov.net.