Warming centers are being set up in preparation for extreme cold weather later this week as the temperature dips to negative double digits.

KOSCIUSKO — Dangerous temperatures and wind chills are forecasted for much of the week. The current forecast shows high temperatures for Wednesday, Jan. 30,  near minus 12. 

Please keep the following safety precautions in mind:

• Insulate pipes and let a steady stream of water flow from your faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
• Space heaters must be kept at least three feet away from all combustible materials, such as curtains and furniture. Heaters should never be left unaccompanied.
• Keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle and pack an emergency bag that includes blankets, snacks and water.
• Keep animals and pets inside and out of the cold. If animals will be left in unsafe conditions, residents may call the Animal Welfare League during business hours at (574) 267-3008 or send them a direct message on their Facebook page at any time.
• Remember that frostbite and hypothermia can occur in just minutes outside.
• Residents are encouraged to check on family members and neighbors and only go outdoors if absolutely necessary.
• Embrace multiple layers of clothing.

If needed, the following warming centers are available. If residents need assistance getting to a warming shelter, they can call Central Dispatch at (574) 372-9511.

Leesburg

Plain Township will be providing a temporary warming center from Wednesday, Jan. 30 through Thursday, Jan. 31. The warming center will be located at the Plain Township Building, 34 E. Armstrong Road, Leesburg, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. 

Mentone

In the town of Mentone, the Bell Memorial Library will be open Wednesday, Jan. 30 for the expressed purpose of providing a warm area for town residents. According to Mentone Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross, the town hall will also be available for chilly residents.

Milford

If someone is in need a warming center during regular business hours, they should call the clerk’s office at (574) 658-4519. If they need a warming center after hours, they should call the non-emergency number for the Milford Police Department (574) 658-4941.

Nappanee

The city of Nappanee will open a warming shelter at West Park Pavilion beginning Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 5 p.m. and keep it open 24 hours a day until Friday, Jan. 30, at 8 p.m. If you or someone you know needs a place to stay warm and safe during the pending freezing temperatures, there will be a warm, dry place with cots and blankets available in West Park Pavilion.

North Webster

Tippecanoe Township Government facility, located at 499 W. Washington St. will be available as an emergency shelter Tuesday, Jan. 29 until Friday, Feb. 1. Entrance will be available through the glass doors on the north side of the building. Any party that is in need of shelter at the township facility can call Trustee Chris Francis at (574) 526-1043, the North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department at (574) 834-7676, the North Webster Police Department at (574) 834-2700 or the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office at (574) 267-5667. 

Pierceton

Due to the extreme temperatures forecast for Wednesday, Jan. 30, Pierceton Fire will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. as a warming station. For more information please call (574) 265-4817. For emergency situations please call 911.

Syracuse

Those who need a warming center may go to the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive. The community center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wawasee High School, 1 Warrior Path, Bldg. 1, Syracuse, will serve as a warming center from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.  Wednesday, Jan. 30, and Thursday, Jan. 31.  If you or someone you know needs a place to stay warm and safe during the extreme cold temperatures, there will be cots and blankets available those two nights. You will want to park in the front parking lot and enter at door #1.

In Syracuse, the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, is open during the day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Warsaw

Pete Thorn Center (also the site of Kosciusko Community Senior Services), 800 North Park Ave., Warsaw. The warming center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29 and from 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 through 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1

Fellowship Missions, 1520 Winona Ave., Warsaw, is also providing cold weather relief during both daytime and overnight hours. The daytime warming center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Check-in for new individuals for the overnight warming center is from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Individuals staying overnight may leave after check-in, but must return no later than 8 p.m. to keep their reserved cot.