he City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division is closely monitoring weather conditions this weekend into the coming week. Our partners stand ready to mobilize and respond to any extreme weather that affects Duval County.
Warming Center: The City of Jacksonville Warming Center will open at 9pm tonight at the Legends Center, 5130 Soutel Drive. More information on the full Warming Center and shelter partner schedule is provided below.
Drive Carefully: Icy roads are possible on Sunday evening and Monday morning – and again on Tuesday and Wednesday – where heavy rainfall has occurred. We remind citizens to monitor the weather, drive with caution, and pay attention to their surroundings and potential roadway hazards.
Fire Safety: With dangerously cold temperatures approaches, the increased use of heating equipment brings a heightened risk of home fires, some of which occurred overnight. Caution should be used with space heaters, fireplaces, and appliances. More tips are below.
Tips To Stay Warm Safely
Use Caution with Space Heaters: Ensure space heaters are at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Plug heaters directly into an outlet—never use an extension cord or power strip — and turn them off when leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave space heaters unattended.
Practice Fireplace Safety: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Avoid overloading fireplaces with wood and always use a screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping. Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before going to bed.
Use Appliances for Their Intended Purpose: Never use an oven or other appliance not designed as a heating device to warm your home. This poses significant fire and carbon monoxide risks.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside each bedroom in your home. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
Create a Fire Escape Plan: Ensure all household members know two ways to exit each room and establish a designated meeting place outside in case of a fire.
Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Dangers: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Never use outdoor appliances like grills or generators indoors, as they can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Where to Stay Warm
With this incoming cold weather, the Emergency Preparedness Division is activating the Warming Center Contingency Plan. The plan states that when temperatures reach 27 degrees or colder the City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open to residents who do not have access to adequate heat. Accordingly, it will be open:
Sunday, January 19, 2025, 9 p.m. – Monday, January 20, 2025, 9 a.m. (Overnight)
The Legends Center
5130 Soutel Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Monday, January 20, 2025, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Daytime)
Jacksonville Public Main Library
303 N. Laura St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Monday, January 20, 2025, 9 p.m. – Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 9 a.m. (Overnight)
The Legends Center
5130 Soutel Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
We will continue to monitor and announce the Warming Center status for the remainder of next week. Regardless, all COJ Libraries and COJ Community Centers will reopen starting Tuesday, January 21 during regular business hours and serve as Warming Centers across Duval County.
JTA buses will provide free transport to individuals heading to Warming Centers, which will be staffed and have water available onsite. Residents utilizing Warming Centers should bring their own bedding, snacks, medications, entertainment, and hygiene items.
Homeless Shelter Partners
Our non-profit partners at area shelters are also providing cold-weather shelter services to the homeless population. These shelters include:
- City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Check-in at 6:30pm, Shelter will be available until temperatures are at least 40°.
- Mission House, 800 Shetter Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
- Cold Night Shelter: Community Presbyterian, 150 Sherry Drive, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
- Sulzbacher Center
- 611 East Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 – Men
- 5455 Springfield Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32208 – Women and Children
- Open for overflow any night that is below 40°.
- Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Men: Check-in at 4pm
- Women and Children: Check-in at 1:30pm
MLK, Jr. Day Parade
Due to the extreme cold expected on Monday and in consultation with the City of Jacksonville and public safety agencies, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation is rescheduling the parade out of an abundance of caution for public safety. They will announce next steps soon.
Stay JaxReady with More Information
Residents can visit JaxReady.com/StayWarmJax for fire prevention and cold weather safety tips, Warming Center locations, what items to bring to a Warming Center, and more.