Local warming shelters, safety tips to know ahead of winter storm

WBBJ Staff,

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.

  • Bolivar
    • The City of Bolivar will open a warming center at the Bolivar Municipal Center upon request this weekend should the need arise. To request the opening of the warming center, please contact the Hardeman County Emergency Communications District at (731)658-5101 or (731)658-1902.
    • The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office will open a warming center in the event of a widespread power outage. Location: Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office 505 South Main Street Bolivar, TN 38008 Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday and Monday Who can attend: Members of the public impacted by power outages
  • Camden
    • Camden Police Dept. warming station will be open starting Saturday morning for those in need. Seating is limited so bring a folding chair if possible. Pet friendly however, No aggressive animals are allowed, The station is located in the basement of the Police Dept. 119 W. Main St. park behind the building and the door will be open.
  • Carroll County
    • McKenzie Farmers Market
      2431 Cedar St, McKenzie, TN 38201
    • Carroll County Jail – Lobby (As Overflow)
      200 Norandal Dr, Huntingdon, TN 38344
    • Westport Fire Department
      7319 Westport Rd, Westport, TN 38387
      **This location will open as a warming center ONLY if power fails in the Westport area.**
  • Dyersburg
    • Warming Center is located in downtown Dyersburg at 215 Church Street, across from the Fire Station. It will be open from 7 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Tuesday.
  • Henderson
    • Henderson County Homeless Coalition is planning ahead to open the warming station at the Watson Center, 50 Natchez Trace Drive, Henderson.
      *Do not park in the front of the building off Wilson St, park on the north side parking lot off Natchez Trace Dr. we have parking also in the back.
      *Parking in the front of the building off Wilson St. is for Emergency personnel only.
    • City Hall warming shelter: Located at, 121 Crook Avenue, Henderson, TN (Downstairs in the storm shelter). Opening at 8:00 in the morning – Saturday January 24, 2026. The Center will remain open through the duration of this period of severe cold temperature. Contingency Planning: If severe or detrimental conditions lead to extended power outages, a warming shelter location will be prepared and activated for citizens of Chester County. The American Red Cross has been notified and is on standby should their services be needed.
  • Humboldt
    • The city of Humboldt is opening a warming station at Bailey Park, 400 N 22nd Ave. Opening at 9:30 Monday morning – Thursday, January 29, 2026 OR until temps rise above freezing. There will be blankets, mats, and water available.
  • Jackson
    • Men seeking shelter on should meet at the TR White Sports Complex at 4:00 PM
    • Women seeking shelter should meet at First United Methodist Church Mission Center
      (200 S. Church St. Jackson, TN) at 4:00 PM
    • Beginning Friday night, January 23, 2026, and continuing through Tuesday night, January 27, 2026.
  • Lexington
    • The warming station is located at the Watson Center on 50 Natchez Trace Dr.
    • The shelter is expected to remain open through Wednesday, January 28, and will provide coffee, drinks, snacks, paper products, cups and silverware. HCHC is looking for volunteers to help provide meals.
  • Martin
    • Community Safe Room (Martin Gateway Center). Hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. beginning Monday as of now. Updated information will be provided as weather is assessed. Transportation to and from the facility is not provided by the city. The facility is electrical power dependent so if the power is unavailable then the facility will not open.
  • Medon
    • Bethlehem No. 1 Missionary Baptist Church at 183 Maple Springs Rd, Medon, TN 38356 is opening a temporary warming center Saturday 9am-4pm
  • Obion County
    • First Baptist Church Kenton, located at 204 S. Poplar Street in Kenton will be open this weekend.
      First Church of God Union City, located at 415 S. Miles Ave. in Union City will open this evening.
      Brooks Chapel Ministries in South Fulton, located at 509 Forestdale Ave. in South Fulton will assist on a case-by-case basis. Contact Pastor Jesse Webb at 270-207-8211 for assistance.
  • Paris
    • The shelter will operate at the Inman School Tornado Shelter to provide a safe and warm location for individuals affected by the weather.
      Scheduled Opening: Friday afternoon, January 23, 2026
      Planned Duration: Through at least Monday morning, January 26, 2026
      (All visitors must vacate when school resumes.)
  • Savannah
    • The shelter is located at 680 Main Street E.
    • Hours of operation will be from 9 am to 8 pm, with the exception of Sunday when the center will close at 3 pm. Overnight stays will be considered on a case-by-case basis as needed.
    • The Savannah Moose Lodge 1918 has created a warming shelter – see details
  • Scotts Hill
    • The Scotts Hill Senior Center will open as a Warming Center , if the power goes out. The center will remain open as long as there’s a need. Address: 96 TN-114, Scotts Hill, TN
  • Selmer 

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.

Categories: Hardin County, Henderson County, Local News, Madison County, News, Seen On 7, Weather, Winter weather coverage

Related Posts