An Arctic cold snap turned Dandridge Elementary School into a temporary lifeline over the weekend, as Jefferson County opened a public warming station for anyone needing a safe place to ride out the freeze.
The site at 780 S. Highway 92 in Dandridge opened Saturday and will stay available through Monday afternoon for residents who need warmth during the frigid stretch. Anyone who needs a ride to the warming center can call 865‑475‑4911 and ask for extensions 301–305 to set up transportation.
Details From The Local Post
The Dandridge Police Department said the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office coordinated the opening of the warming site at Dandridge Elementary and urged residents to help spread the word by sharing its Facebook alert. According to the department, the goal is to make sure information about the warming station reaches people who might not otherwise know there is a place to go during the freeze. Dandridge Police Department's Facebook post emphasizes that community members should pass along the details to anyone who may need assistance.
How To Arrange A Ride
Residents who cannot safely get to the school on their own can call Jefferson County's 9-1-1 administrative line at 8654754911 for help coordinating transportation and other assistance related to the warming station. Jefferson County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications lists that number as the non-emergency administration line, and the Dandridge police post directs callers to use extensions 301–305 when requesting a ride.
Schools And Storm Context
The warming center comes on the heels of weather-related school closures as the Arctic air mass moved in. Earlier in the week, the Jefferson County School District announced that classes would be canceled due to the storm, which helps explain why school buildings are now doubling as emergency resources while temperatures plunge. Jefferson County Schools issued closure notices and weather advisories ahead of the cold snap.
Officials are asking neighbors to check on elderly or otherwise vulnerable residents and to keep sharing information about the warming station so it reaches those most at risk. For life-threatening emergencies, residents should call 911. For help arranging transportation to the Dandridge Elementary warming station, call 8654754911 and ask for extensions 301–305.
