Warming centers to open in Tuscarawas County Thursday
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Dec. 4, 2024) – The Tuscarawas County Emergency Management Agency is coordinating some escapes from the frigid weather and single-digit wind chills in the forecast.
Director Jennifer James says most public library locations in the county have agreed to serve as warming centers during normal operating hours Thursday and offer some light snacks.
“We do that just in the event that someone – either their heat isn’t working or they don’t have somewhere to go – whether that’s because they don’t have a home or they just don’t have enough layers. It’s open to anyone who would need somewhere to go and warm up at,” James said.
James says this is something they’ve been doing with these locations for years when the need arises.
“We always call them first just to ensure that they’re not having any issues themselves whether it be a power outage or something of that nature, but it has been a very longstanding partnership and they have been wonderful to work with,” she said.
The Dover New Philadelphia Salvation Army and the Tuscarawas County YMCA are also operating as warming centers during business hours Thursday.
In addition, James also advises people out and about to take their time and be aware of their surroundings with snow squalls becoming a visibility concern in the high winds Thursday.