How to stay warm in freezing temperatures

On By Littum

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Frigid temperatures swarmed the Panhandle and northern Florida last week, triggering at least one 17 counties are subject to freeze warnings.

According to the National Weather Service, Jacksonville saw temperatures as low as 27 degrees, prompting the city to open a warming center overnight for those without access to “adequate heat.”

Fortunately, warmer weather is forecast this week, according to AccuWeatherwith temperatures reaching up to 69 degrees during the day and dropping to the mid to high 30s at night.

ONE frost advisory for Western Duval County is issued from 02.00 to 8.00 Wednesday morning. Some areas of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia are expected to be placed under freeze warnings later this week.

Here’s what you should know to stay warm, stay safe and brace yourself for Florida’s colder moments.

  • Tonight: Patchy frost after 02.00 am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 35. Light north wind.
  • Wednesday: Light frost before 8:00 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
  • Wednesday evening: Patchy frost after 04.00. Otherwise mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Calm wind.
  • Thursday: Light frost before 8:00 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 62. Light northwest wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
  • Thursday evening: Widespread frost after Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 34.
  • Friday: Widespread frost before Otherwise sunny with a high of nearly 63.
  • Friday evening: A 20 percent chance of showers after Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
  • Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
  • Saturday evening: Shower. Low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
  • Sunday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
  • Sunday evening: 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Will Jacksonville be under a freeze warning again this week?

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville highlighted the likelihood of a light frost and temperatures below 100 degrees in parts of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia later this week. Although there is the potential for more freezing in some areas, Jacksonville has a 0% chance of experiencing it, according to NWS Jacksonville.

More: What is the coldest day in Florida history? Here you can see how close we are getting this week

Cold Weather in Florida: Tips for Staying Warm in Freezing Temperatures

The Florida Division of Emergency Management urges Florida residents to consider the 5 Ps when preparing for severe cold weather in the state.

The 5 P’s of cold weather preparedness include:

  • Protect people: Dress in warm layers and wear a hat and gloves.
  • Protect pets: Bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter.
  • Protect plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from dangerous temperatures.
  • Protect pipes: Cover pipes and let outdoor faucets drip slowly to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
  • Practice fire safety: Use safe heat sources indoors. Do not use fuel burning devices such as grills. They release deadly carbon monoxide.

Shelters near me: Where to find shelter in severe Jacksonville weather

The City of Jacksonville Warming Center was open for most of last week as Duval County was placed under multiple freeze warnings.

The center opens when the temperature drops to 27 degrees or colder.

Where to find cold weather shelters near you:

  • City of Jacksonville Warming Center
    • The Legends Center, 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208
  • City of Jacksonville libraries and community centers were also open during regular business hours and served as warming centers.

Shelters that provide cold weather shelters to the homeless population:

  • City rescue mission
    • 234 W. State Street, 32202

  • The Mission House

    • 465 11th Ave. N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250

    • Overnight operations at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal

      • The parish hall, 1150 5th Street N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250

  • Sulzbacher Center
    • 611 East Adams St., 32202 – Men
    • 5455 Springfield Blvd. 32208 – Women and children
  • Trinity Rescue Mission
    • 622 W. Union Street, 32202

Visit Jaxready.com/StayWarmJax for more information about cold weather shelter or warming center locations and opening hours.

Fire safety and heat safety tips in cold weather

The city of Jacksonville offers important safety tips for heat and practices for dealing with cold weather.

  • Be careful with space heaters: Make sure 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 you leave a room or go to sleep. Never leave space heaters unattended.
  • Practice fireplace safety: Have the 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 make sure it is completely extinguished before going to bed.
  • Use appliances for their intended purpose: Never use a furnace or other appliance that is not designed as a heating unit to heat your home. This poses a significant fire and carbon monoxide risk.
  • Smoke alarms save lives: Make sure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside every bedroom in your home. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
  • Create a fire escape plan: Make sure all household members know two ways to exit each room and establish a designated meeting point outside in the event of a fire.
  • Be aware of carbon monoxide hazards: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Never use outdoor appliances such as grills or generators indoors as they can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.