OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – With temperatures expected to plummet this week, Osceola County officials are activating emergency protocols to help residents escape the freeze.
Cold weather shelters will open their doors on the evenings of Tuesday, Dec. 30, and Wednesday, Dec. 31, providing a safe haven for those experiencing homelessness as the mercury drops. The activation comes as forecasts predict overnight lows dipping below 40 degrees for at least four consecutive hours—the county’s official threshold for opening emergency refuges.
Starting at 6 p.m. both nights, three locations across the county will welcome those in need of warmth:
- St. Cloud: First United Methodist Church St. Cloud (1000 Ohio Avenue)
- Kissimmee: Iglesia Del Nazareno Casa De Vida (2367 Fortune Road)
- Kissimmee/Poinciana: Poinciana Christian Church (3181 Pleasant Hill Road)
READ: Tampa Bay Area To Plunge From 70s Into Near-Freezing Temps Before New Year’s Warmup
Transportation and Pet Safety
To ensure everyone can access these safe havens, LYNX is offering free bus rides to the shelter locations. Passengers simply need to inform the driver they are traveling to a cold weather shelter to ride at no cost.
Officials have also arranged accommodations for pets. While service dogs are permitted at the shelters, other pets will be housed separately at Osceola Animal Services during the cold snap. Owners utilizing the bus service must have their animals in carriers prior to boarding.
Community Mobilization
The effort is a massive logistical collaboration led by the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management. It involves the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, law enforcement, and a coalition of non-profits including the Hope Partnership, the Salvation Army, and the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. Teams are currently canvassing areas where homeless populations congregate to spread the word and help coordinate travel.
READ: Leave It To The Pros On New Years: Polk County Bans Backyard Fireworks As Drought Persists
Residents can stay updated on shelter activations by texting ‘COLDWEATHER’ to 888777.
The “Five Ps” of Preparedness
Beyond the shelters, emergency officials are urging all residents to take precautions at home by following the “Five Ps”: Protect People, Protect Pets, Protect Pipes, Protect Plants, and Practice Fire Safety.
Fire risks increase significantly during cold snaps due to improper heating. Officials warn that space heaters should be kept well away from curtains, bedding, or clothing. Additionally, fuel-burning devices like grills must never be used indoors due to the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Vulnerable plants should be covered, and pipes protected from freezing temperatures.
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