With temperatures expected to plummet this weekend due to an Arctic air mass, Orange County is opening warming centers and overnight shelters to ensure community members have safe, warm spaces to stay during this period of dangerously cold weather.
According to the National Weather Service, bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills will impact the region beginning Monday morning, January 20, and continue through Thursday, January 23. In response, the County is implementing the following measures:
Warming Centers
Starting Monday, January 20, through Friday, January 24, the following locations will operate as warming centers:
- Orange County Main Library, 137 W. Margaret Ln., Hillsborough: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Efland Cheeks Community Center. 117 Richmond Rd., Efland: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough: Monday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 pm, Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Rogers Road Community Center, 101 Edgar St., Chapel Hill: Monday - Wednesday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Shelters
Starting Sunday, January 19, through Wednesday, January 22, the following locations will operate as overnight shelters:
Seymour Center Shelter, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill
- Open nightly from Sunday, January 19, through Wednesday, January 22, 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.
- Cots, blankets, and snacks will be provided.
- Animal Services will arrange offsite sheltering for pets if needed.
Cold Weather Cots
- Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) Shelter Available every night November through March: Call 919-929-6380, Men ext. 3000, Women, ext. 4000
- Men: 1315 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill
- Women 2505 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill
- Orange County Shelter available when temperatures drop below 32 degrees: Call 919-245-2490
- University Baptist Church, 100 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill
Transportation Assistance
- Chapel Hill Transit and Chapel Hill Emergency Management are coordinating transportation from the Cold Weather Cots at University Baptist Church to the Seymour Center for overflow needs. Buses will run at 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily.
Orange Public Transportation (OPT) will be providing transportation assistance as needed. Those who need transportation or other non-emergency assistance related to the warming centers and overnight shelters can contact Orange County Emergency Services 24/7 by calling (919) 732-5063. As always, please call 911 for any life threatening emergency.
Orange County encourages all residents to take precautions during this extreme weather event and check on neighbors who may need assistance. For more information, visit readyorange.org.
Stay safe and prepared for cold weather with these tips:
- Dress in layers to stay warm.
- Stock up on emergency supplies for home and car.
- Check the weather forecast before going out.
- Check on the elderly, ill, or disabled.
- Keep pets warm and dry.
- Prevent hypothermia by staying warm, dry, and limiting outdoor time.
- Have extra water in case pipes freeze or break.
- Avoid walking or driving on ice; use non-scooping kitty litter or rock salt to cover icy spots.
About Orange County
Orange County is dedicated to supporting the well-being and safety of its residents, particularly during times of need. For more information, please visit readyorange.org.