Multiple warming stations are opening across Upshur County as residents face continued winter weather conditions. The Upshur County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) announced that several locations will serve as warming stations this week.

Local businesses are stepping up to help community members in need. Both the Hodgesville Mini Mart in Hodgesville and the Corner Mart in Jackson’s Mill are offering free hot chocolate and coffee to anyone seeking refuge from the cold during their normal business hours. Additionally, many stores and businesses throughout the county are welcoming people to come in and warm up during business hours.

Warming stations open Tuesday, January 21, include the Upshur County Day Reporter Center at 83 West Main Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Community Care, located at 37 West Main Street, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Buckhannon will operate as a designated warming station on Wednesday, January 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The church will provide food, drinks, a place to rest and phone charging facilities.

Steve Wykoff, Upshur County DHSEM Director, explains that warming stations differ from overnight shelters.

“Warming stations are temporary places where somebody can go in, get warm, charge a cell phone, potentially get something warm to eat or drink, depending on the situation, whereas shelters are designed for overnight stays,” Wykoff said.

DHSEM is actively working with other local agencies to open additional warming stations as needed. The department maintains supplies for these facilities but relies heavily on community partnerships for suitable locations.

Tuesday night is expected to be another cold night with a forecast low of -8 degrees. Wednesday will remain cold with a high of 19 and a low of 6 degrees.

Residents in need of assistance are urged to contact the DHSEM office at (304) 472-4983. Organizations willing to provide space or donate food and drinks for comfort stations can reach out to Wykoff at the same number or email scwykoff@upshurcounty.org.