Local warming shelters, safety tips to know ahead of winter storm
JACKSON, Tenn. — To help prepare you and your loved ones, we’ve created a list of tips and local warming shelters to know about ahead of the extreme winter weather conditions.
Local warming shelters
Below freezing temperatures can quickly become dangerous if you are without proper shelter. Below you can find a list of warming shelters available to the public in West Tennessee.
This is not an exhaustive list. Check back for more shelters in the area should they be announced.
Heat your home safely
Heating your home in the winter can be tricky, especially when electricity goes out. Officials with the Jackson Fire Department remind residents about the importance of heating your home safely.
DO:
- Use extra blankets, warm clothing, and sleeping bags to stay warm.
- Keep interior doors closed to retain heat.
- If available, use a fireplace or wood stove that is properly vented and maintained.
- Check on elderly neighbors, children, and those with medical needs.
DO NOT:
- Use generators, grills, camp stoves, or propane heaters inside your home, garage, or near windows or doors.
- Burn charcoal indoors or use your oven or stovetop as a heat source.
- Leave candles unattended or place them near flammable materials.
These actions can quickly lead to fires or deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Now is also a good time to ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
If you use space heaters, remember to keep them three feet away from flammable material and never leave them unattended. For more fire safety tips, click here.
Roadway safety
The best tip is to simply avoid traveling during extreme weather, but if you must, then remember to grab the essentials.
AAA strongly recommends drivers keep a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. An emergency kit should include the following:
- Cell phone car chargers
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Reflective or warning triangles (put outside of the vehicle to signal a breakdown)
- First-aid kit
- Drinking water and non-perishable food for travelers and pets
- Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, or traction mats)
- Ice scraper or snow brush and shovel
- Gloves, extra coats or sweatshirts, hats, and blankets
When driving, accelerate and decelerate slowly and put at least five to six seconds of following distance between you and other cars.
To see more winter storm tips and coverage, click here.
To stay weather-aware, click here.
