WARMING CENTER ACTIVATION EXTENDED THROUGH FEBRUARY 2, 2026

January 27, 2026

The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant temperature swing for our area. Freezing temperatures are forecast Tuesday night through Monday morning, with wind chills or "feels like" temperatures in the 20s.

With the arrival of this extended cold weather, the City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division has activated the Warming Center Contingency Plan. When temperatures reach 27 degrees or lower, the City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open overnight to residents who lack access to adequate heat.

Nightly from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Monday, February 2, 2026
The Legends Center 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208

JTA buses will transport vulnerable individuals from bus stops throughout Duval County to and from the Legends Center, which will be staffed and have water available on-site. Residents utilizing the Warming Center should bring the following items:

Air mattress, blankets, pillows, or other bedding
Snacks and medication
Games, toys, and books
Hygiene and comfort items

*Note: Only service animals are permitted at the Warming Center.
During normal business hours, COJ Libraries and COJ Community Centers are open and will serve as Warming Centers across Duval County. More information can be found at: jaxready.com/StayWarmJax.
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, 32202
Sulzbacher Center
- 611 East Adams St., 32202 – Men
- 5455 Springfield Blvd. 32208 – Women and Children
Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union Street, 32202

As residents prepare for the extended cold weather, the Emergency Preparedness Division urges everyone to follow the 5 P's of Cold-Weather Safety:

People: Check on elderly neighbors and family members. Ensure children at early morning bus stops are dressed warmly in layers with hats and gloves to protect against dangerous wind chills. Limit time outdoors during the coldest hours.
Pets: Bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures. Provide adequate shelter, food, and unfrozen water for outdoor animals.
Plants: Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors to protect them from frost and freezing temperatures.
Pipes: Protect exposed pipes with insulation. Allow faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Practice Fire Safety: As residents use supplemental heating sources during this extended cold period, follow critical safety measures to prevent fires. See detailed tips below.

Safety Tips from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department:

Use Caution with Space Heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Plug heaters directly into outlets and never use extension cords or power strips. Turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave space heaters unattended.
Practice Fireplace Safety: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Don’t overload fireplaces with wood and use screens or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping. Never leave fires unattended, and ensure fires are fully extinguished before going to bed.
Additional Safety Tips: Never use ovens or appliances not designed as heating devices to warm your home. Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside each bedroom. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Never use outdoor appliances, such as grills or generators, indoors.

For more information, visit jaxready.com/StayWarmJax.