Now that winter has arrived and parts of Riverside County are experiencing freezing temperatures, residents and visitors have a place to escape the cold at dozens of warm centers across the county.

“Because some people may not be able to escape extremely cold temperatures, we have worked with our community partners to open warm centers to ensure the safety and comfort of residents and visitors throughout Riverside County,” Brenda Salas Freeman, executive director of the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County, said in a prepared statement.

The centers can be found in locations such as local libraries, some county offices, and community centers and will be open to the public at no cost. The centers opened in December and will remain active through March as temperatures warrant.

The warm centers are coordinated by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County, in conjunction with Riverside University Health System – Public Health.

Light refreshments and water will be available at some locations.

For a list of center locations, hours of operations and tips for staying warm, visit here.

If you know someone in need of a warm center, share this list of locations with them. In addition, please share the following tips with them and keep them in mind for yourself.

Some cold weather tips include:

  • Drink warm fluids like hot cider or soup.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Keep your home warm. Turn on your heater.
  • Wear several thin layers of clothing.
  • Move family pets indoors out of the elements.
  • Know the location of the nearest Warm Center.
  • Have your home heating system inspected.
  • Never bring heating devices into the home that are intended for outdoor,
    including charcoal.

You are also at risk if you have certain medical conditions, take medication for high blood
pressure, have a mental health condition, or have been using drugs or alcohol.

For Center locations, hours and tips on how to protect yourself from
cold-related illnesses, call: Energy Crisis Hotlines at (888) 636-8676 or (951) 955-4900 or 2-1-1, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For emergencies, call 911.