Extreme cold | Kentucky and southern Indiana warming centers and resources | Local News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Bitter cold and dangerous wind chills set into Kentucky and southern Indiana this week following the winter storm.

Temperatures in the Louisville area aren't expected to be above freezing until the beginning of February, and that big freeze brings big warnings for your health, your home and your pets. Here are some resources for everyone survive the frigid weather.

Staying warm

In Louisville, Emergency Management told people to take care of the basics by staying warm and staying connected.

Keep extra blankets and safe heat sources on hand. (Never use ovens for heat.)
Check on elderly neighbors or anyone needing assistance.
Sign up for LENSAlert for city updates.
Download the free LouReady app. To download the app on the Apple App Store, click here. To download it on the Google Play Store, click here.

Take precautions

If you must be outside, doctors at UofL Health-Jewish Hospital stress the importance of wearing enough layers and keeping your hands and feet warm. Experts said to think about putting on base layers underneath your warmer items as well as waterproof and windproof clothing. Shoes with traction are also important as doctors see injuries from people slipping and falling during snow events.

Daytime warming centers

Two day-warming centers will operate during extreme weather:

Exodus Family Ministries

4205 Cane Run Road
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
502-614-8544 or 502-823-8870

Additional Neighborhood Places will also offer warming space during normal business hours.

Kentucky State Parks warming stations

In the event of power outages, temporary shelter will be available to those in need. For more information about Kentucky State Park warming stations, click here.

The following locations are serving as warming stations:

Convention Center at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park (Prestonsburg)
Visitor Center at My Old Kentucky Home State Park (Bardstown)
Convention Center at General Butler State Resort Park (Carrollton)
Sawyer Hayes Convention Center at EP Tom Sawyer State Park (Louisville)
Convention Center at Columbus Belmont State Park (Columbus)
Woodland Center at Natural Bridge State Resort Park (Slade)
Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas)
Carter Caves State Resort Park (Olive Hill)
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park (Greenup)
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park (Carlisle)

Hardin County resources

The City of Elizabethtown, City of Radcliff, and City of Vine Grove have collectively established a consistent procedure to assist those without adequate shelter. Anyone who needs help can contact their nearest police department of one of these numbers.

City of Elizabethtown residents may call 270-765-4125.
City of Radcliff residents may call 270-351-4477.
City of Vine Grove residents may call 270-877-2252.

Frankfort, Kentucky Resources

Warming centers are available throughout the community. If you are in need of a warm place, please contact one of the following locations:

Immanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Collins Lane
Thornhill Learning Center, 700 Leslie Ave.
Salvation Army, 517 Greenup Ave.
Capital City Activity Center, 202 Medical Heights
Access Soup Kitchen, 311 W. 2nd St.

Sign up for Notify Me alerts from the city via the city website, frankfort.ky.gov. For non life threatening emergencies, call Frankfort Dispatch at 502-875-8582. All emergency situations should call 911.

Oldham County warming stations

Oldham County residents can seek shelter and safety after bad weather. Some sites offer temporary accommodations like heated space, blankets, cots and basic amenities. Some shelters are not staffed round the clock, so call the Office of Emergency Management at 502-222-0799 or 502-377-9716 or Oldham County Dispatch at 502-222-0111 to see if a shelter is open.

La Grange Fire Station 1, 309 N. 1st Ave., La Grange, 40031
South Oldham Fire Dept., 6310 Old La Grange Rd., Crestwood, 40014
North Oldham Fire Department, 1660 Highway 1793, Goshen, 40026
Ballardsville Fire Department, 4604 S. Highway 53, Crestwood, 40014
Westport Fire Department, 6301 3rd St., Westport, 40077
Pewee Valley Fire Department, 8607 Foley Ave., Pewee Valley, 40056
Senior Living Center, 1015 Dispatchers Way, La Grange, 40031
Crestwood United Methodist, 7214 Kavanaugh Rd., Crestwood, 40014
Holy Trinity, 2416 KY-53, La Grange, 40031
La Grange Presbyterian Church, 1901 Prestwick Dr., La Grange, 40031

Help for the homeless

Operation White Flag goes into effect when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. When a shelter hangs a white flag outside, the shelters work to find space for as many people as possible. Participating shelters include:

For single men, women, and families
432 E. Jefferson St.
No reservations required during White Flag; first come, first served
Capacity: 200 (100 with mats)

Salvation Army

For single men and women
911 S. Brook St.
Check-ins: women at 5:30 p.m. and men at 6 p.m.
Reservations: Call 502-637-2337, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (optional, guarantees a bed)
Capacity: 10 beds for men, 10 for women
Day shelter: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (meals provided before and after overnight stays)

The Lord's Kitchen

1811 Standard Ave., Louisville, KY 40210

The Lord's Kitchen has converted their facility over to house 100 bed shelter during this winter storm. They will start receiving people beginning Saturday morning and also provide hot meals as well. Anyone is welcome.

Pets and the cold

Do not leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. The Kentucky Humane Society says if you have outdoor dogs or cats bring them inside. Pets are at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and death during extreme cold snaps, and wind chill is particularly dangerous. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paws can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage.

KHS also has a Pet Resources Services number at 502-509-4738.

If you know of an animal left outside in the cold without extra protection, you can report it to Louisville Metro Animal Services at 502-473-PETS (7387).

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