King County Cold Weather Shelters to Stay Open as Cold Snap Continues

With cold in the forecast, King County and local jurisdictions have made several severe weather shelters available, including ones in Federal Way, Bellevue, and Seattle.

Two additional warming centers/weather shelters are also available this week:

Auburn
Veteran's Memorial Park William C Warren Building 411 E ST NE
January 14 from 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM 
January 15 from 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM 
January 16 from 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
January 17 from 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM 
January 18 from 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM 
This is an emergency shelter only and no services are provided.
For more information: 253-334-4860.

Renton
Renton Harambee Center
316 South 3rd St.
Renton, WA 98057

Open nightly through the morning of Thursday, January 17.
8:30 pm - check in and registration; 7 am - shelter closes.
Operated by Catholic Community Services staff and volunteers.
For more information call City of Kent, Housing & Human Services: 253-856-5070
City of Renton Human Services: 425-430-6600.

Please visit http://cehkc.org/scope/shelters.aspx or call the Crisis Clinic by dialing 2-1-1 for a list of winter shelters operating throughout King County.

COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

The King County Office of Emergency Management offers the following tips for staying safe during cold weather:

1. When the snow begins to fall, road conditions can deteriorate very quickly. Drive only if necessary and limit travel to daylight hours if at all possible. Keep others informed of your schedule and route, and stay on main roads. Register for King County road alerts.
2. If you ride the bus, register for transit alerts and check our timetable for snow routes.
3. Protect your pets by keeping them warm, dry and sheltered with access to non-frozen water.
4. Insulate pipes and wrap outdoor faucets with towels and plastic bags to keep them from freezing.
5. Be aware that power failures and other service disruptions may occur. Keep a battery operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
6. Never use charcoal grills, gas grills, or generators indoors, because they can cause a buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide gas which can lead to poisoning or even death.
7. When leaving the house, dress in layers and wear warm clothing, including a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear, even if just running a quick errand.

Stay informed

Listen to local radio and television stations for information on possible school delays and other weather related updates. Subscribe to the regional public information network (www.rpin.org) for news bulletins and emergency alerts. Find more winter weather preparedness tips and resources links at www.takewinterbystorm.org.