St. Johns County officials are urging residents to take precautions as a Freeze Warning issued by the National Weather Service triggers at 11 p.m. Thursday for all of Northeast Florida.
A cold weather shelter will open at 8:30 p.m. tonight at the First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine, 118 King St., to provide a warm refuge for those in need.
The shelter is being operated through the St. Johns County Continuum of Care.
Officials are encouraging individuals seeking shelter from the chill to arrive early to ensure a spot.
Residents are being encouraged to take precautions during the freezing temperatures, which are expected to remain in the 30s overnight throughout the week.
“Protect pets, plants, pipes and PEOPLE from cold temperatures,” St. Johns County Emergency Management wrote on its Facebook page. “Practice FIRE safety. Be sure space heaters are far from flammable items.”
Recommendations include checking in on elderly neighbors, bringing pets indoors, and using space heaters safely.
For updates on any additional shelter openings, the public can monitor the St. Johns County Continuum of Care Facebook page or call a hotline at 904-819-4344.
Further safety tips and information are available through the St. Johns County Emergency Management Facebook page.
“Bundle, cozy, snuggle up – it’s gonna be COLD!” SJCEM wrote.
