Salvation Army Reaches Out to Homeless as Temperatures Drop

According to the National Weather Service the low Monday and Tuesday night is expected to be 32 degrees. The wind chill during the night is expected to drop to only 25 degrees.

The cold for some means adding an extra layer, dusting off a coat that's been in storage for the last year or turning on the furnace. But for others, it can be a matter of wellbeing.

Tonight, hundreds of homeless people will be sleeping in the cold. The local Salvation Army on 10^th St. is trying to take in as many people as it can tonight and tomorrow.

"We are going to be running a cold weather facility tonight and probably tomorrow," said Salvation Army general manager Bryan Pope

The service starts at 6:30pm and is for single men and single women.

"We don't have the accommodations to help families," he said. "It is very difficult in our environment to deal with small children. It's not an easy task. It's a matter of self-selection," Pope added. "Five rooms are constantly filled and have a waiting list for people. I would love to build 15 more [rooms]."

The cold weather facility provides a mattress on the floor and then a warm breakfast in the morning.

While the Salvation Army does not have the resources to take in every homeless person who needs shelter, it is still trying to combat the cold by having a coat and blanket drive.

Pope said the drive started just a few days ago and that people interested in donating can drop blankets, coats, jackets or money to the Salvation Army intake center at 1400 10^th St.

People in need of coats can also go to the intake center to register for jackets and blankets, as long as supplies last.

Cold Weather Warning from Sarasota County Emergency Management 

With the first cold spell of the winter months approaching the region, Sarasota County Emergency Management officials are urging residents to exercise caution in dealing with the cold conditions.

"Temperatures are projected to drop rapidly overnight below freezing in all but the coastal areas. It is important that the community prepare for colder than usual conditions by preparing their homes, families and pets," said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane.

McCrane said people should take immediate action to protect their plants by covering or bringing them inside. Pets also should be brought inside during this period of cold weather.

Minor beach erosion may occur and beach users should avoid the rough surf and be aware of a high risk of riptides. The dry air and winds could generate critical fire weather conditions as well.

The risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning also increases during very cold weather due to the improper use of heating, devices.

In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage also can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The risk of unintentional CO death is highest for people age 75 and above, county emergency management officials said.

Many symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu, food poisoning or other illnesses.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning,  you can call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for the Public Safety Education Office.