Freezing Temperatures Prompt Jim Wells County to Open Overnight Warming Centers

Jim Wells County has opened Emergency Overnight Warming Centers as a hard freeze moves into the area, offering shelter and basic support for residents in Alice, Orange Grove, Premont and the wider county. County Emergency Management officials announced the centers will open at 6 p.m. Saturday and remain available through Wednesday if needed, citing the need for residents to protect family, pets and property.

The centers are available to residents of Jim Wells County, Orange Grove, Alice and Premont. Locations and contact numbers are: Jim Wells County Fairgrounds, 3001 S Johnson, Alice, TX 78332, phone 361-227-4812; Cross Trails Cowboy Church, 1911 FM 624, Orange Grove, TX 78372, phone 361-815-7971; and the Laughlin Building, 248 Southwest 1st Street, Premont, TX 78375, phone 361-227-4812. The county webpage providing the notice directs residents to be prepared, have a plan and monitor weather stations for detailed forecasts.

Opening the warming centers aims to reduce the immediate risks that come with sustained freezing temperatures, particularly for people without reliable home heating, older adults, children and households with pets. Local officials urged residents to take precautions to protect heating systems and water pipes and to avoid unnecessary travel when roads may develop black ice or other hazards.

Emergency Management officials emphasized community readiness and the role of local partners in operating the centers. The three sites provide nearby options so people in town and those in outlying areas can reach shelter without long drives on potentially slick roads. County staff and volunteers will coordinate intake and offer information on further assistance as conditions evolve.

For medical emergencies or life-threatening situations, residents should call 911 immediately. The county message concludes with a simple admonition to stay warm and stay safe as conditions continue to change.

For Jim Wells County residents, the centers are both a practical resource and a reminder of local resilience: neighbors, churches and county services are mobilizing when weather threatens homes and routines. The centers will remain active through January 28 if conditions require it; residents should monitor local forecasts, note the nearest center address and phone number, and plan for short-term disruptions to heat or water service.