(Image provided, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration)
Warming centers will be open in northwest Indiana and across the state for those in need of a safe and warm place to stay. Indiana 211 is a resource for updated locations and hours of warming centers. Hoosiers can call 211 or 866-211-9966, or visit IN211.org to find their nearest warming center.
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The City of East Chicago Fire Department / Emergency Management advises that due to the extreme cold weather, Riley Hall, located at Riley Park (1005 E. Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, Indiana), will be designated as a “Warming Shelter.” Riley Park Hall will be open as a warming center from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, January 19, 20, and 21, 2025, due to inclement weather.
In the city of La Porte, the city has a partnership with Nest Community Shelter to bring a temporary emergency shelter – dubbed Nest La Porte – to the former train depot on Washington Street. The shelter will be open nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday January 19, 2025, through March 31, 2025.
The City of Valparaiso has coordinated with local organizations to announce Warming Centers available when temperatures and wind chills dip below freezing. The following organizations are serving as warming centers:
– Valparaiso YMCA, (219) 462-4185, 1201 Cumberland Crossing;Open Mon – Fri 5:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sat 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
– Porter County Public Library, Valparaiso Branch (219) 462-0524; 103 Jefferson St.; Open Mon – Thurs 9:00 am – 8:00 pm., Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm,
Sun 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
– CoAction (219) 548-2800; 2001 Calumet Ave.; Open Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
In addition, the Valparaiso Police Department (VPD) offers a special program for individuals who may need special help during weather emergencies. The Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program means the VPD will check on residents during harsh weather. To register yourself or a loved one for CARE, contact Social Worker Natalie Kasberger via email or by phone (219) 462-2135.
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From Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department (LTVFD), Porter County, IN: The dangerously cold wind chills have the likely potential to impact water pipes, especially for the mobile home community. “Mobile homes tend to sit above ground with skirting around the base of the home exposing the pipes to weather conditions faster”, the department said in a release. LTVFD is urging residents and businesses to take steps to prevent a burst pipe and providing the following tips:
• Run a stream of water from the farthest sink from the water meter is all that is necessary in most cases to
stop your line from freezing.
• Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing
• Properly installed heat tape on pipes can keep the pipes from freezing
“Should a pipe burst, locate your water shut off valve. This is usually located near your water meter outside near your utilities. Contact your maintenance office or a local plumber to respond,” said the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department news release.
