With freezing temperatures expected to linger from the low
thirties to twenties here on the Northshore through the end
of the week, the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland
Security and Emergency Preparedness in conjunction with the
New Orleans Mission, will extend the operations of the
warming shelter through Saturday, January 6, 2018 for those
in need. The shelter is currently open in the Giving Hope
Retreat Center of the New Orleans Mission located at 31294
Highway 190 in Lacombe. Citizens should bring bedding,
comfort items, prescription medication, and any personal
hygiene items. Citizens are reminded that alcohol and
firearms are not allowed. The Northshore Hotline of the
Giving Hope Retreat Center is 985-218-9485.
The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
reminds residents to use care when using portable natural
gas, propane or butane heaters for warmth in areas of poor
ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
When using any portable heater beware of flammable
surroundings. Severe cold weather protocols are also in
place, and employees are placed on notice for activation if
the weather dictates.
The Department of Health and Human Services is urging
residents with elderly individuals in their families to
make certain they have a safe and effective way to heat
their residences. If residents know of at-risk families or
neighbors that could fall victim to severe cold weather,
please check on them during the evening and morning hours
to confirm their safety.
In addition, Tammany Utilities advises that in the event
of a Hard Freeze Warning, all residents should take the
necessary precautions, like wrapping their pipes, to
prevent pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. The
Department of Animal Services warns pet and livestock
owners to also take special precautions to safeguard the
well-being of animals in their care, including bringing
pets indoors and preventing water sources from freezing
over for livestock.
To stay abreast of the weather forecast, please keep up
with the National Weather Service at weather.gov
