City Offers Warming Centers This Winter

Besides providing regular services to the community, those sites also offer short-term relief from the cold during winter days, free on-site Wi-Fi and power sources to charge personal devices and portable electronic gadgets.
Page updated on April 7, 2022 at 3:06 PM
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City Offers Warming Centers This Winter

A DCHS CONNECT NEWS HIGHLIGHT 

 

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January 13, 2022--The City of Alexandria offers warming centers and provides several locations including recreation centers and libraries, as options to community members without heating in their homes or who need a warm environment during the day.

Last week, a heavy winter storm hit the area and caused power outages throughout the region. Several local news reports and media outlets advised Alexandrians to utilize the City’s warming centers while waiting for electricity to be restored.

Alexandria’s seasonal warming centers are indoor facilities that are open to the public during working hours. Besides providing regular services to the community, those sites also offer short-term relief from the cold during winter days, free on-site Wi-Fi and power sources to charge personal devices and portable electronic gadgets.

During this winter the following facilities, recreation centers and libraries will be available as warming centers during their regular operating hours:

It is advised to call ahead to confirm opening hours before heading to a warming site as schedules may change from time to time. For additional locations and more information, view and download this printable flyer.

Safety measures will be followed in all facilities in accordance with federal, state and local health COVID-19 guidelines. Upon arrival, City staff will screen visitors for coronavirus disease symptoms with a questionnaire and temperature check. To prevent the spread of the virus, staff and visitors will be required to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status, and maintain six feet of distance. Attendees will also be encouraged to either wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer frequently. Enhanced cleaning will be practiced throughout facilities as well. 

­Alexandrians are also encouraged to check on neighbors who may be at risk of hypothermia and keep pets indoors as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people to stay safe this winter by learning more about hypothermia and frostbite and acquiring knowledge about who is most at risk; signs and symptoms; what to do if someone develops an injury or illness due to prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures; and ways of prevention. Check out this infographic.

To learn more about warming centers in the City of Alexandria, visit our Seasonal and Emergency Warming Options’ Webpage. Visit the City’s website for details on how to stay safe during the winter season and for more weather-related closures and information.