Staying Warm at Home and Warming Centers

During severe winter weather, the safest choice for most residents is to stay home and avoid travel if possible. Icy roads and extreme cold can increase the risk of injury. For community members without a warm indoor space, warming centers can provide temporary relief from extreme cold. If you need to travel to reach a warming center, please do so carefully.

If you are struggling in the cold or if you see someone who may be struggling – please reach out to CenterPointe Street Outreach at 402-782-1199 from 7am to 9pm every day, including weekends. For more urgent assistance, please call the Lincoln Police Department non-emergency line at 402-441-6000.

Warming Centers
A warming center is a place people can go to get temporary relief from extreme cold.  Please call ahead or check the facility’s website or social media before you go in case hours of operation change due to extreme weather.

During regular business hours:

The following City facilities will be available as warming centers.

Additional warming center locations operated by partner organizations include:

Find a Warming Center Near You

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Staying Warm at Home

Keep your house warm

  • Open your curtains during the day – the sun still provides warmth even in the winter months. Make sure you close them as soon as the sun sets to keep the warm air in.
  • Investing in thicker curtains, or thermal curtain liners, will help keep the cold air out and prevent heat loss.
  • We tend to lose a lot of heat through gaps around windows and doors. Reduce drafts by lining your windows with rubber seals and use a draft excluder by doors – this could even be an old towel, tightly rolled.

 

Conserve Heat

  • Avoid unnecessarily opening doors or windows.
  • Close off unneeded rooms.
  • Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
  • Close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night.

Layer up your warmest indoor clothing

  • Wearing lots of layers rather than one thick piece of clothing will help trap your body heat and keep you warmer.
  • Choose clothes made with insulating material, like wool jumpers and thermal underwear, which are best for keeping you warm at home.
  • Using a hot water bottle is also an inexpensive way to stay warmer for longer. You can also keep your feet warm with thick socks and slippers.

Use space heaters safely

  • Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements.
  • Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.
  • Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
  • Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
  • Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
  • Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
  • If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.

Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:

  • Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats
  • Fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace
  • Portable space heaters that run on an alternative power source

(Sources: CDC, Red Cross)

Energy Assistance and Home Weatherization

Black Hills Energy

Lincoln Electric System

Community Action Partnership of Lincoln and Saunders County

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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