As a cold front bears down on Jefferson County, residents seeking refuge from the plummeting temperatures will find warmth at several local warming stations. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has announced that the stations will open their doors starting Saturday afternoon. For those in need of a place to combat the chill, doors will unlock promptly at 3:00 PM and will remain that way as long as there is a need.
The list of accessible locations includes the White Pine Center on Maple Street and the Dandridge Elementary School right on Highway 92. There's also a spot at the Chestnut Hill Fire Department, which doubles as a Rural Medical location, not to mention the welcoming arms of the Jefferson City Community Center nestled along the northern stretch of that same highway. Two additional locations, New Market School and White Pine School, are on deck, but have not yet opened their doors to the public.
In a recent social media post sourced from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page, residents were also informed that transportation to any warming center is available. Those in need can call the sheriff’s office directly at 865-475-4911, extensions 301 to 305, to arrange for aid.
The warming stations are not merely a place to find physical warmth; they stand as a testament to a community's effort to look out for one another in times of extreme weather. Reminding residents of the essentiality of sharing this resource, the Sheriff's Office encourages the community to spread the word, ensuring that all who require it can find shelter from the cold. As we brace for another hit of winter's bite, these warming stations offer more than just heat - they offer a beacon of community spirit.
