With a Winter Weather Advisory now in effect and a prolonged stretch of freezing temperatures expected through early next week, the City of Killeen is taking action to protect residents from the dangerous cold. Beginning Friday afternoon, the city—working in partnership with Friends in Crisis—will open a warming center to ensure anyone in need has access to a safe, warm place to stay.

The warming center, located at Friends in Crisis, 412 East Sprott Street, will open at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 23, and remain available continuously through 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27. The facility is open to all community members, including those without heat, those experiencing power outages, and anyone seeking refuge from the cold.

City policy requires warming centers to activate when temperatures or wind chills are forecast to reach 32 degrees or below, a threshold expected to be met repeatedly during this Arctic outbreak. City crews will monitor weather conditions, facility capacity, and community needs throughout the advisory period to ensure services remain available and responsive.

Residents wishing to support the effort may donate supplies by contacting the City of Killeen’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management at the email provided by the city.

As freezing temperatures settle in, officials encourage residents to check on neighbors, especially older adults, families with young children, and those who may lack adequate heating. The warming center is part of the city’s broader effort to keep the community safe during this extended period of winter weather.