Warming Shelters Open To Protect You From Cold

As temperatures across the region are expected to drop below freezing, warming shelters are becoming critical for the Upper Cumberland.

Live and Let Live Shelter Board Member Gina Arnold said the shelter is available to those in need of somewhere warm to stay in DeKalb County. Arnold said the shelter has more volunteers and more donations during this time of year. Arnold said the shelter provides food and items needed to stay warm.

“We do know that there are those still in our community that may not be coming in,” Arnold said. “We just want to get the word out that we try not to set up a lot of barriers about who can come and we would love for anyone who has the need to get out of the cold to come in.”

Fentress County EMA Director James Bilbrey said the county has opened a warming center at 306 E Central Ave. Bilbrey said the shelter, which began operating last night, opens daily at 4:30 PM if temperatures drop below 25°F. Bilbrey said the shelter provides food and overnight accommodations.

“If the homeless need a warming place, we provide that,” Bilbrey said.

Pickett County EMA Director Gary Garrett said there are currently no shelters in the county as there have been no power outages or requests from residents. Garrett said citizens can reach out to the Pickett County Sheriff’s Department to request a shelter if need be.

Van Buren EMS Director Tiwanna Bricker said the county does not have a dedicated warming shelter but has plans in place with local fire stations and churches to offer help if necessary. Bricker said this plan ensures continuous assistance should the need arise during the extreme weather conditions.

Clay County EMA Director Kyle Haney said there is one shelter open at the Mt Vernon Fire Department located in Red Boiling Springs. Haney said the Celina Fire Hall will be closed. Haney said they are currently working on alternatives to create space for more people.

Cookeville Community Cares has emergency warming shelters in the city but space is limited.