With temperatures expected to drop this evening, Trinity Assembly of God in Fruitland Park is opening its doors to those vulnerable to the cold weather.
Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick St., Fruitland Park will open for sheltering on Monday, December 2 from 5:30 pm to Tuesday, December 3 at 7 am.
LakeXpress fixed-route bus service will offer free service to residents indicating that they are traveling to a cold-weather shelter. Meals will be provided for families staying overnight. Individuals who require transportation from the cold weather shelter on Tuesday morning will be taken to the Salvation Army or the Come As You Are Ministry.
During extreme cold-weather events, the Florida Division of Emergency Management reminds residents of the importance 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.
For more information about preparing for extreme cold weather events, visit www.floridadisaster.org/hazards/extreme-cold. Non-profit and faith-based organizations who wish to offer sheltering assistance in the future should contact Lake County Emergency Management at 352-343-9420.
