JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) - Leaders with the City of Jackson advised residents to prepare for several days of at or below freezing temperatures starting Sunday evening and into Wednesday with the possibility of snow.
As part of its preparations, the city is reopening its cold weather shelter as temperatures drop substantially beginning Sunday evening and lasting several days.
Shelter
The city, in partnership with Shower Power, Inc., will reopen a temporary shelter at Champion Gym, located at 1355 Hattiesburg Street, at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The shelter will remain open during the cold snap.
The shelter is accepting hot food and snack donations, as well as socks, T-shirts and underwear.
Jackson Police Department
The Jackson Police Department will be out in numbers and anticipate switching to 12-hour shirts. JPD will also be providing security both inside and outside the temporary shelter. Residents are asked to call 601-960-1234 for non-emergencies.
Public Works
The city's Public Works Department will remain on patrol throughout the cold snap and will de-ice bridges as needed. The city asks residents to respect barricades that are in place.
Jackson Fire Department
The threat of fires is greatest during cold weather. The Jackson Fire Department is advising residents to remain warm and safe. Consider the following tips:
- Never leave a space heater unattended
- Never use an extension cord for a space heater
- Only plug the space heater into an outlet
- Make sure there is a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace. This prevents embers from escaping.
- Test you smoke alarms every month. Replace if not working. JFD will install a smoke alarm in your home at no charge. Call 601-960-1399.
- Residents with gas appliances should have carbon monoxide alarms
- Generator – set up as far away from the home as possible, don’t use in garage, heavy duty extension cord, exhaust pointed away from doors and windows.
- Open cabinets to allow warm air to prevent pipes from freezing.
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