Worcester will open warming center ahead of frigid weekend temps

WORCESTER, Mass. — The state’s second largest city is preparing for the upcoming bitter blast of winter weather this weekend.

Worcester city officials announced they’re opening a temporary, emergency overnight warming center at the Providence Street Worcester Senior Center on Friday and Saturday. It will be open to the public from 8 a.m. on Friday, February 3, to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 4.

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista also says the city’s quality of life task force will reach out to members of the homeless community to refer them to needed services ahead of the freezing temperatures.

Worcester’s 311 service will also operate on extended hours from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 4.

Officials are urging the public to take precautions during the extreme cold and are providing the following tips:

• Avoid outdoor exposure for extended periods and cover exposed skin. Dress in layers and stay dry.
• Watch for frostbite, which can develop in under a minute
• Heat your home safely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating your house with a space heater. Keep three feet of space around the space heater, and use a dedicated outlet.

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