Cold-weather shelter to open Dec. 17 for anyone without heat

Officials urge residents to take advantage of this option if the alternative is using a heating method that could pose a fire hazard.

  • By Julie Murphy
  • | 12:45 p.m. December 17, 2020
Church on the Rock is located at 2200 N. State Street. Photo by Brian McMillan
Church on the Rock is located at 2200 N. State Street. Photo by Brian McMillan
  • Palm Coast Observer
  • News
  • Share

The Sheltering Tree will open a cold-weather shelter tonight, Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Church on the Rock, not only for the homeless but for anyone who is without heat.

Flagler County officials urge residents to take advantage of this option if the alternative is using a heating method that could pose a fire hazard.

“Space heaters need space — at least 3 feet — away from anything that can burn,” said Flagler County Fire Marshal Jerry Smith. “This space should also be a kid-free zone.”

Other home-heating safety tips include the following:

  • Never use the oven to heat the home
  • Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
  • Screen fireplaces to contain sparks

“We also ask that you ‘close’ the bedroom door ‘before you doze,’” Smith said. “It will help to keep heat in the room and if fire breaks out, it buys you time to get out of the house. A fire needs oxygen to burn. A closed door keeps more oxygen in the room and away from the fire.”

The criteria for opening the cold-weather shelter is based on an overnight temperature that dips below 40 degrees.

Church on the Rock is located at 2200 N. State Street. The cold-weather shelter will open at 5:30 p.m.

Transportation is available at the following locations and times (return rides provided the following morning):

  • Hidden Trails Community Center, 4 p.m.
  • Espanola Community Center, 4:30 p.m.
  • Hammock Church, 4 p.m.
  • Dollar Tree (by Carrabas), 4:25 p.m.
  • Palm Coast Main Branch Library, 4:40 p.m.
  • Flagler Beach Veteran’s Park, 4:10 p.m.

 

Latest News

  • January 18, 2025
Palm Coast residents open The Purple Donkey soda shop in Flagler Beach
  • January 17, 2025
Mayor Mike Norris: ‘Palm Coast is not an HOA.’
  • January 17, 2025
Trees for the next generation: Ormond Beach celebrates Florida Arbor Day
  • January 17, 2025
Florida state senator files bill to repeal school start time requirements
×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.