Temperatures plummet
Cold weather outreach efforts underway
The extreme cold weather conditions that have spread across the United States over the past few days is arriving in the Sunshine State this week.
According to the National Weather Service, the Fort Myers area will see a low of 38 degrees on Tuesday night, and a low of 39 on Wednesday evening. Add in wind chills, temperatures could feel like below freezing over the coming days.
NWS officials state for its pair of cold weather advisories, that include Lee County, “…very cold wind chills as low as 26…very cold wind chills as low as 25 expected.
“Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.”
Low temps will reach 47 and 51 on Thursday and Friday respectively, according to NWS, but drop down to 35 and 33 on Saturday and Sunday night.
Local officials stated that Lee County Government is coordinating with its partner agencies for cold-weather outreach this week.
“The Lee County Department of Human & Veteran Services, Lee County Transit (LeeTran) and additional partners typically coordinate when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, true temperature or with windchill, for a period of time,” county officials stated in a release Monday. “Lee County Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Management staff is monitoring the cold temperatures and encourages residents to monitor updates from the National Weather Service.”
Plans this week include:
• Jan. 26 through Feb. 1: The Salvation Army will provide a limited number of single beds on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals seeking relief from cold weather conditions. Shelter will be available beginning the evening of Monday, Jan. 26, through the morning of Monday, Feb. 2. Individuals in need of shelter are encouraged to arrive for intake on Monday, Jan. 26, before 7 p.m. at 2400 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. The Salvation Army will reassess capacity daily through Sunday, Feb. 1, and will continue accepting individuals as space allows. For more information, please contact The Salvation Army at 239-334-3745.
• Jan. 26 through Jan. 30: Housing, Outreach and Treatment (HOT) teams will be in the community connecting with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide resources and distribute cold-weather supplies, including jackets, socks, blankets and hand warmers.
• Jan. 27 through Feb. 1: LeeTran will provide Warming Buses at the locations listed below.
6 a.m. – 8 a.m., Rosa Parks Transfer Station (2250 Widman Way, Fort Myers)
6 a.m. – 10 a.m., Lehigh Acres Park & Ride (1121 Village Lakes Blvd., Lehigh Acres)
6 a.m. – 10 a.m., Cape Coral Transfer Station (820 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral)
* Jan. 27 through Jan. 30: Mobile Warming Stations will be available at the locations listed below and will distribute cold weather supplies, including jackets, socks, blankets, and hand warmers.
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Lions Park (2550 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers)
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Rosa Parks Transfer Station (2250 Widman Way)
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Edison Mall Transfer Station (4125 Cleveland Ave.)
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., South Fort Myers Transfer Station (13182 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers)
• Jan. 27 through Jan. 31: Warming Stations will be open at the locations listed below.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fort Myers Regional Library (2450 First St. Fort Myers)
Noon. – 5 p.m., North Fort Myers Library/Parks and Recreation (2001 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers)
• Jan. 27 through Jan. 30: Warming Stations will be open at the locations listed below.
8 a.m. – noon Dunbar United Way Resiliency Hub at Community Cooperative (3429 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers)
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tice United Way Resiliency Hub at Goodwill Industries (5100 Tice St., Fort Myers)
8 a.m. – noon, Harlem Heights United Way Resiliency Hub at The Heights Center (15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers)
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., West Cape Coral United Way Resiliency Hub at Goodwill Industries (1499 SW. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral)
8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sanibel United Way Resiliency Hub at F.I.S.H of Sanibel-Captiva (2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel)
9 a.m. – noon p.m., Cape Coral Caring Center (1420 SE. 47th Street, Cape Coral, FL 33904)
• Jan. 27 through Jan. 29: Warming Stations will be open at the locations listed below.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Pine Island United Way Resiliency Hub at Beacon of Hope (5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City)
• Jan. 27: Warming Stations will be open at the locations listed below.
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Pine Manor United Way Resiliency Hub – Pine Manor Improvement Association (5547 10th Ave., Fort Myers)
8 a.m. – 3 p.m., East Fort Myers United Way Resiliency Hub – Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL (4040 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers)
• Jan. 28 and Jan. 29: Warming Stations will be open at the locations listed below.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., South Fort Myers United Way Resiliency Hub at Jewish Family Services (9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers)
8 a.m. – 1 p.m., East Fort Myers United Way Resiliency Hub – Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL (4040 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers)
• Jan. 29, and Jan. 30: Warming Stations will be open at the locations listed below.
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Pine Manor United Way Resiliency Hub – Pine Manor Improvement Association (5547 10th Ave., Fort Myers)
Officials state the Lee County Human & Veteran Services’ (HVS) Reach app, which is a free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play is another way individuals experiencing homelessness can garner information. App users should sign up to receive push alerts to receive timely updates.
The American Red Cross South Florida Region is urging residents to take steps now to stay safe as temperatures drop overnight and early morning hours become significantly colder than usual.
“Even brief periods of cold weather can be dangerous if people aren’t prepared,” stated Monica Rusconi, Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross South Florida Region, in a release. “We encourage everyone to take simple precautions now and to check on neighbors, loved ones, and pets as temperatures fall.”
The Red Cross recommends the following steps to help keep your household safe during colder weather:
• Stay warm. If your home becomes too cold, consider going to a public library, shopping mall, or designated warming center.
• Heat safely. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters and fireplaces. Never leave heating sources unattended.
• Skip the candles. Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead to reduce the risk of fires.
• Carbon monoxide is deadly. Never use an oven, grill, or generator to heat your home. If you feel dizzy, weak, or sick, get fresh air immediately.
• Look out for others. Check on neighbors, older adults, and family members-especially those who may need extra help staying warm.
• Dress in layers. Wear loose-fitting layers, a hat, mittens, and warm shoes or boots. Cover exposed skin when outdoors.
• Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Early signs include shivering, confusion, numbness, and changes in skin color. Get medical help right away if symptoms appear.
• Don’t overdo it. Avoid overexertion outdoors and take frequent breaks if working in cold conditions.
• Protect pets. Bring pets indoors and ensure they have warm shelter and access to unfrozen water.
• Use Red Cross apps. Download the free Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps for weather alerts and lifesaving guidance.
AAA-The Auto Club Group, is urging drivers and homeowners to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their property. Officials state that even brief periods of freezing weather can strain car batteries and put vulnerable plumbing at risk. During past cold snaps, AAA officials state they have seen a sharp rise in roadside assistance calls for dead batteries, along with an increase in home insurance claims tied to frozen or burst pipes.
“Whenever temperatures drop this quickly, the calls start pouring in,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA, in a release. “Dead batteries become extremely common. At the same time, homeowners face the risk of frozen pipes that can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage.”
AAA officials state cold weather reduces a battery’s ability to hold a charge, and temperatures in the 20s and 30s are enough to push an older or weakened battery over the edge.
“Cold weather is tough on older batteries,” Jenkins continued. “If yours gives out, AAA can come to you. Our technicians can test, charge, or even replace your battery on the spot for members who request help.”
AAA tips to prevent a dead battery:
• Have your battery tested if it’s more than three years old.
• Listen for slow cranking, a key warning sign of a failing battery.
• Replace the battery if it shows signs of weakness or struggles in cold weather.
AAA tips to prevent frozen or burst pipes:
• Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when away from home.
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts.
AAA tips for maintaining proper tire pressure:
• Check tire pressure first thing in the morning when tires are cold.
• Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (listed on the driver’s door jamb).
• Don’t rely solely on tire‑pressure monitoring systems; they may not alert you until pressure is already too low.
• Inspect tires for worn tread, cracks, or bulges that cold weather can worsen.