GADSDEN, Ala. (WIAT) -- Preparations ahead of freezing temperatures are underway in Gadsden according to the Etowah County Emergency Management Agency.
Etowah County EMA Director, Derrick Mummert said the Department has been in and out of meetings with the National Weather Service to discuss the freezing temperatures ahead which they say can present travel concerns as well as the need to open warming shelters.
The Rainbow City Community Center is one of ten shelters the County is opening for those in need of a warm place to brace the winter weather. Four of the shelters will remain open throughout the night.
Mummert said all hands are on deck as Gadsden police, fire and the city's public works department are coming together to create a game plan to protect residents from the extreme cold the county is anticipating.
Mummert said the department is sending alerts to residents to remind them to stay calm and prepared and look out for each other.
"There's no need to panic buy. We are reminding people check on those, the elderly, who may need access to functional needs. Their pets, if you're cold they're cold and then, also take precautions around your house to protect water from these freezing temperatures," said Mummert.
A list of the warming shelters can be found here.