SEATTLE — People across western Washington are bracing as frigid temperatures are expected to move in later this week, potentially the coldest so far this season.
Temperatures are expected to drop Thursday and aren’t expected to get above freezing from through the weekend. During the coldest period over the weekend, high temperatures are expected to be in the upper 20s to low 30s with overnight low temperatures around 20 degrees.
Several counties released contingency plans to keep people safe during the cold spell.
King County
The King County Regional Homelessness Authority is activating its tier 3 response protocols from Jan. 10-16, which includes opening additional 27/4 shelters and warming centers, supporting food distribution, coordinating transit to shelters and exploring storage for belongings.
A full list of shelters by region within King County can be found here.
Kitsap County
Kitsap County’s severe weather shelters will operate Tuesday and Wednesday for anyone who needs a safe place overnight.
The shelters will operate 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Guests cannot check in after 9 p.m. Shelters that are empty at 9 p.m. will close
Locations:
Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Rd. NE, Kingston (Open 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.)
Port Orchard United Methodist Church, 725 Kitsap St., Port Orchard
Gateway Fellowship, west wing building, 18901 Eighth Ave. NE, Poulsbo (Wednesday only)
Salvation Army, 832 Sixth St., Bremerton (Check-in from 7-8:45 p.m.)
Silverdale Community Church, 9982 Silverdale Way, Silverdale
Pierce County
The city of Tacoma asked providers to activate inclement weather beds until temperatures warm next week.
The following locations will open to provide 120 additional beds:
- Tacoma Rescue Mission expanded Holy Rosary Church, 425 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma
- Catholic Community Services’ Nativity House, 702 South 14th Street, Tacoma
- Beacon Young Adult Shelter, 415 South 13th Street, Tacoma. For people 18-24 years old.
Snohomish County
Snohomish County provides dangerous shelter in freezing weather and updates a web page daily to show openings. See the full list of openings here.
Shelters will be open in Everett, Marysville, Monroe, Snohomish and Lynnwood during the cold weather event.
Thurston County
An overnight emergency shelter will be open at Serio's Place for people at least 18 years old from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jan. 11-15.
Families with children under 18 can stay at a nightly shelter at Pear Blossom Place in Olympia. Ring the doorbell for entrance.
People 24 and younger can stay at a nightly shelter at Rosie's Place in Olympia from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Call 360-918-7879.
Olympia Mutual Aid Partners will increase distribution of survival supplies to people living outside.
Whatcom County
Whatcom County Health and Community Services is providing an overnight shelter at 810 North State St. in Bellingham from Jan. 10-14.
Check-in time is from 5-9 p.m. each evening. Check-out time is 8 a.m. each morning.
The shelter will remain open continuously from 5 p.m. Jan. 10 through 8 a.m. Jan. 14 for people who spent the previous night and plan to spend the following night.
How to prepare your home for cold weather
Gene Johnson Plumbing and Heating General Manager Kimberly Kean shared tips to prepare your home for winter weather and prevent your heating system from being strained.
- Check your home for leaks or holes
- Consider adding insulation to windows
- Replace furnace filters
- Open remote ducts that are closed to save energy to prevent strain on the furnace
- Wrap pipes that are outdoors or in cold spots
- Keep faucets cracked open to prevent freezing
- Winterize hose faucets and irrigation systems by detaching hoses and sprinkler attachments