Southeast Louisiana parishes open warming centers

Southeast Louisiana parishes prepare for freezing temperatures by opening warming shelters to provide residents with a safe stay.

With a Winter Storm Watch in effect from Monday night through Tuesday evening and a Cold Weather Advisory issued for Sunday night through Tuesday, officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay warm and safe.

The following parishes have announced warming shelter locations and guidelines:

• St. Charles Parish
  • Location: Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Edward Dufresne Parkway, Luling, LA 70070
  • Opening Time: Monday, January 20 at 6 p.m.
  • Arrival Deadline: No later than 11 p.m.; the shelter may close if no one arrives by midnight.
  • Requirements: Open to St. Charles Parish residents only; IDs required.
  • Amenities: Cots provided; limited pillows and blankets from the Red Cross. Residents should bring additional blankets, snacks, and water.
  • Pets: Allowed; owners must bring food, bowls, medications, and a kennel.
  • Closure: The shelter will close once temperatures rise above freezing.
• St. John the Baptist Parish
  • Locations:
    • West Bank Public Safety Complex, 5739 Highway 18, Wallace, LA
    • Garyville Fire Station #71, 418 Historic West St., Garyville, LA
  • Opening Time: Monday, January 20 at 6 p.m.
  • Requirements: Open to St. John residents.
  • Amenities: Cots and blankets provided; residents should bring additional blankets, food, and snacks.
  • Duration: Shelters will remain open for the duration of the winter event.
• Hancock County
  • Location: Emergency Operations Center Building, 18333 Highway 603, Kiln, MS
  • Opening Time: Sunday, January 19 at 6 p.m.
  • Hours: Open nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. through January 22.
  • Transportation: Residents needing a ride to the shelter can call Hancock County Central Dispatch at 228-255-9191 for assistance.
• Jefferson Parish
  • Locations:
    • Terrytown Playground, 641 Heritage Ave., Terrytown, LA
    • Ree Alario Special Needs Center, 6900 Saints Drive, Metairie, LA
  • Opening Time: Sunday, January 19 at 1 p.m.
  • Duration: Shelters will remain open until at least Wednesday, January 22.
  • Pets: Allowed; residents should bring a pet carrier.
  • Assistance: Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority will help individuals living outdoors seek shelter.
  • Contact: For transportation assistance, call the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center at (504) 349-5360.
• St. James Parish
  • Pre-Registration: Residents must pre-register by calling the Citizen Service Center at 225-562-2500 on Monday, January 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Transportation: Transit Services will be available if road conditions are safe.
  • Meals: Shelf-stable meals will be distributed to homebound residents ahead of the freeze.

Officials across the region are reminding residents to protect their pipes and plants, check on elderly neighbors, and ensure pets are kept warm.