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Cold-weather shelters established at Lake County churches

Published  January 17, 2018 11:34am EST
News
FOX 35 Orlando
LAKE COUNTY_1468466801142.jpg article

TAVARES, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Lake County officials have announced that several area churches will open their doors as a refuge for individuals and families vulnerable to freezing temperatures that are about to sweep through Lake County. 

The cold-weather shelters will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17th and Thursday, January 18th at the following locations:

  • LifePointe Church, located at 3551 E. Orange Ave., Eustis
  • First Baptist Church of Mount Dora, 1000 E. 1st Ave., Mount Dora
  • Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick St., Fruitland Park

They say that warming stations are also available at the following locations on Wednedsay and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Salvation Army, 2605 South St, Leesburg
  • The Open Door, 115 Citrus Ave., Eustis

“We rely on our local non-profits and religious-affiliated organizations to help with humanitarian efforts during these types of cold-weather events,” said Tommy Carpenter, Director of Lake County’s Office of Emergency Management. “We were very pleased to see LifePointe Church, First Baptist Church of Mount Dora and Trinity Assembly of God offer their services to help ensure that those who need a warm place to stay overnight, have a place to go.”

During extreme cold-weather events, the Florida Division of Emergency management reminds residents of the five P's:

  • Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. Try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry.
  • Protect Pets: If cold weather is in the forecast, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.
  • Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from the dangerous temperatures.
  • Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
  • Practice Fire Safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.