As temperatures plummet into single digits, concerns over what to do for those people who might not have adequate heating to get through the bad weather have surfaced.
In Holmes County, there are no designated warming centers, although the public library during business hours is a safe environment to escape the elements.
“We’re here, we’re open, everyone is welcome,” Holmes County District Public Library Executive Director Paula Cicconetti said. “We do sometimes shut down if the roads are bad and staff can’t get here. We’re open to all. We served as a cooling station during the summer heatwave.”
Holmes County General Health District Health Commissioner Mike Derr said the lobby of the new Health Department Building on Glen Drive is open to the public if they need to come in during regular business hours to get out of the cold.
The new Holmes County General Health District office on Glen Drive will be open for business on Monday, Sept. 16.
“If people are looking for a place with activity, and the power’s good, I would think the library is a little more interesting than our lobby,” Derr said. “Sometimes we have some good background music, but there’s really not a lot to do in our lobby.”
He added they are still working out the security protocols for any longterm emergency that would require a law enforcement presence.
“Right now, we are just like any other government office. If people really need it, they are more than welcome to come in and be in our public areas during business hours,” he said.
Jason Troyer of Holmes County Emergency Management Agency said the county only sets up warming centers if there is a power outage.
Terry Carter, 9-2-2 coordinator for WHIRE, suggested laundromats as another safe place to seek shelter from the cold. Laundromats are generally open 24 hours.
Wayne County: Salvation Army and Homeward Bound
Address: 459 Spruce St., Wooster
Phone: 330-641-1078
Cynthia Bonidie, executive director of Homeward Bound, is still doing her best to use what she can to still help those in need despite the Homeward Bound no being o9pen yet.
“We are currently running the severe weather shelter out of the gymnasium provided by The Salvation Army. Once Homeward Bound is open it will be open everyday and not rely on a temperature. We can’t wait for our facility to be open so that everyone can feel comfortable and the support that they are looking for.”
The warming center is open when the tempter reaches 31 degrees or below. Guests can sign in at 8 p.m.-8 a.m. for an overnight stay, a warm bed and food.
Orrville: City Hall
Address: 207 N. Main St.
Despite not having a warming center, Orrville City Hall has its doors open to the public if they need a place to get warm.
Jeanne Gault, an administrative assistant of the building, explained the process for cold weather.
“The emergency management agency tells us when to open, but our doors are always open during regular hours. People can come in and escape the cold weather.” Gault said.
Anyone seeking shelter from the weather may gather in the building’s main lobby. The doors are open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Warming centers in Holmes and Wayne counties