The City of Killeen is stepping up to support its community during the harsh winter weather. In partnership with Friends in Crisis, an enhanced warming center will be available at the Friends in Crisis shelter, located at 412 East Sprott Street. This initiative aims to provide safe shelter for those in need from Saturday, Jan. 18 to Thursday, Jan. 23.

Warming Center Schedule:

• Saturday, Jan. 18: Opens at 8 p.m. and closes Sunday, Jan. 19 at 12 noon
• Sunday, Jan. 19: Reopens at 6 p.m. and remains open until Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 22: Reopens at 8 p.m. and remains open until Thursday, Jan. 23 at 8 a.m.

The city’s policy ensures the warming center is activated if temperatures or wind chill factors are forecasted to fall below 32 degrees. This decision is made based on the latest updates from the National Weather Service, with determinations finalized no later than 3 p.m. on the day an overnight center is to be opened.

Community members are reminded that City of Killeen buildings are always open to the public during normal business hours for warming (or cooling) needs. These facilities include City Hall, libraries, the Recreation Center, Police Headquarters, and more. Visitors to these public facilities are required to adhere to a code of conduct. For those looking to contribute, water donations can be dropped off at any Killeen Fire Station or the North Precinct Police Station (402 North 2nd Street). Non-water donations should be coordinated with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management by calling (254) 501-7706 to determine what is needed.

The City relies on partnerships with organizations to operate these warming and cooling centers. If community groups, churches, or other organizations can offer their facilities and volunteers during the center’s operational hours, they are encouraged to contact the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at (254)501-7706.

Stay updated through the City of Killeen’s website (killeentexas.gov), social media platforms, and by signing up for city alerts at http://www.killeentexas.gov/alertcenter. Additional emergency information can be received by signing up for the City’s Emergency CODERED system at http://www.KilleenTexas.gov/ohsem.

Texas residents can also check the Texas Department of Emergency Management webpage for daily updates on warming or cooling center locations across the state.