Kevin Broadwater with the Somerset County Department Of Emergency Services says that his department is expecting temperatures to dip into the negatives next week.
If you’re worried about the cold, he says warming shelters, which are located in senior centers across the county, are completely free and open to walk-ins from anyone who needs them.
Department Of Emergency Services personnel in our other nine counties say there are currently no active warming shelters, their departments are prepared to open them up if needed. In the meantime, if you don’t have a warming shelter near you and you feel too cold, Broadwater suggests stepping into a local store to warm up.
Tessie Amaranto with the Red Cross says that her organization works with warming shelters to provide things like cots, water, and volunteers when needed.
She says that safety during this season should be a top priority, especially if you’re planning to leave your home.
Safety officials say that if you’re traveling, always be prepared.
In fact, Broadwater says that you should treat every trip as if your car will break down. Officials say that keeping an emergency kit can be a big help.
For some it might feel “impossible” to stay warm in these conditions
But Somerset County officials say that warming shelters are available for anyone who needs them.
If you can’t make it there and need to stay warm, officials with the Red Cross say there are a number of other things you can do to stay safe.