Due to dangerously cold wind chills, Caldwell County officials have announced a warming center will be opening at the courthouse in downtown Princeton.
At this time, Caldwell County Emergency Management Director Joey McCaslin says the courthouse will be opened on an “as-needed basis”, beginning Thursday afternoon and running through Monday, December 26th. If you are in need of somewhere to go to warm up, please call Central Dispatch at 270-365-7860. Anyone utilizing the courthouse to stay warm will need to enter through the North door. If the need arises, he indicates there are provisions and availability to open additional warming centers.
McCaslin also reminds motorists traveling on area roadways to keep their vehicle fuel tanks full. You should also keep a blanket, bottled water and snacks in your vehicle. He also says to make sure your cell phone and charger are in the vehicle with you, even for short trips.
Dangerously cold wind chills of 16 to 26 below zero are possible as a result of Thursday night low temperatures near zero and sustained winds of 15-20 mph winds with gusts from 30-35 mph possible. Officials remind residents that frostbite in these conditions can occur in as little as 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, local contractor and owner Donnie Adams with Adams Contracting reminds homeowners to take advantage of Wednesday’s warmer temps and sunshine. He says shutting your home’s foundation vents, and unhooking and draining water hoses may seem simple, but can save you time and money on repairs later. He indicates one of the most forgotten items is making sure de-icer and ice and snow-melting products and tools are kept within reach. He notes it doesn’t take a lot of ice or snow accumulation to freeze locks, especially in the event of a flash freeze where water doesn’t have time to drip or run off before it freezes. He encourages residents to remove de-icer and ice and snow-melting products from their outbuildings and trunk before the temperature drops, so they have quick access to them as needed.
