Warming centers available during extreme cold conditions

As wind chill values drop below zero during this oncoming arctic wave of bad weather, local emergency officials are announcing that some government facilities will be open to get shelter from the storm for those in need.

The Community Engagement Center on Second Street in Columbus sill be open from 8 to 4 on Saturday and Sunday and from 8 to 6 Monday through Friday. That is at 1075 Second Street.

The Brighter Days Homeless Shelter will be open from 6 p.m. at night to 10 a.m. in the morning Saturday night through Friday night. Transports will be provided on Saturday and Sunday evening between the Community Engagement Center and Brighter Days.

The Columbus and Hope Branches of the Bartholomew County Public Library will be open as a place to warm up. The main library branch on Fifth Street in Columbus is open from 9 to 6 today and Saturday and then from 9 to 8 Monday through Thursday. The Hope Branch is open until 6 tonight, then from 10 10 to 5 Saturday and from 10 to 6 Monday through Thursday.

Officials say that no animal crates are available and only service animals will be permitted in the warming centers.

Food, showers and areas for sleeping are not available at the warming centers.

If you need to find a warming center in your community, you can call 2-1-1. Community navigators are available around the clock and can provide you with updated locations and hours of warmings centers in your area.