Since Tuesday, December 30, the City/County Joint Warming Center had been open in response to freezing temperatures. The Warming Center has closed now that temperatures are forecasted to rise. However, the City Office of Emergency Services and the County Office of Emergency Services will continue to monitor the situation for changes in the forecast.
According to the County/City Severe Weather Guide, the criteria for a Warming Center are extreme cold/freeze warnings for three days accompanied by night temperatures of 32 degrees or less.
The center has been open from 8 p.m. through 7 a.m. for three nights starting December 30 to January 2. Participants were driven to Loaves and Fishes in the morning.
Information about the centers was distributed via the network of service providers, social workers, faith based organizations, social media, park rangers, and city police who interact with the homeless every day.
Warming Center Location CLOSED
The location of the warming center was at the Southside Park – 2107 6th Street, Sacramento, CA, with seating capacity of approximately 50; served snacks and provided chairs; however there were no beds provided.
Staffing was provided by the Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Human Assistance, City Parks & Recreation and Medical Reserve Corp and Hands On volunteers and security was provided by Sacramento City Parks Rangers.
City Animal Services provided 10 kennels for larger dogs, and small carriers for smaller animals and an area for pets of people using the warming center. Pets were not transferred to City Animal Services.
Services to Homeless: Complete information can be accessed by contacting 2-1-1.
During this time, the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance made motel vouchers and bus passes available for homeless families and individuals to get in out of the cold and distributed them through County social workers and the City Police Department’s Impact Team.
Helpful Numbers:
Sacramento County:
For localized street flooding, downed trees or branches in the roadway: call 311 or
916-875-4311.
For water or drainage issues: call
916-875-7246.
For sewer issues: call
916-875-6730.
City of Sacramento:
For localized street flooding, downed trees or branches in the roadway, City residents should call: 3-1-1 or
916-264-5011.
Other Information:
What You Can Do:
Loved Ones:
Check on your family, neighbors and seniors, especially those living alone
Make sure your pets are secure and safe out of the elements
Discuss emergency plans in advance
Keep an emergency kit in an easy-access location
Around the House and in Your Car:
Clear debris from gutters and downspouts
Store outdoor furniture, lawn equipment, decorations properly
Secure outdoor plants or cover with blankets or plastic to prevent freezing
Learn where your water shutoff valves are in case a pipe bursts
Do not bring heating devices in doors that are intended for outdoor use, such as barbecues or other fuel-burning devices
Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing
Prepare your auto for cold weather
Keep extra blankets, food and water in your vehicle
Drive safely and slowly
Avoid downed power lines
Complete preparedness tips can be found on http://www.SacramentoReady.org.
