Princeton warming station to open through the weekend

PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Preparation and plans have reportedly been finalized for the opening of a warming station in the Mercer County area.

A Thursday announcement from the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management/Floodplain Development indicates that a warming station is to be set up in the bay area of the Princeton Rescue Squad 701 building at Stafford Drive in Princeton, WV.

The station will open at 8:00 pm on Friday, December 23, 2022, and will remain open until 8:00 am. The station will operate on this same schedule for Saturday, December 24, 2022, and Sunday, December 25, 2022.

It has been emphasized that the warning station is not a shelter, but a safe, warm environment to provide protection during the extreme temperatures forecasted to occur.

First announced on Wednesday, the warming station was initially intended to be set up in the area of 4th Street and Mercer Street in Princeton. The station location was changed Thursday evening, however, in light of forecasts predicting high wind gusts throughout the area which could threaten the safety of guests at a tent location.

The warming station is being provided with help from the Mercer County Commission, The City of Princeton, and Princeton Rescue Squad.

Those in the Bluefield area may utilize the Bluefield Union Mission.

Additionally, those requiring further services such as a hotel room, information for the Salvation Army will be provided at the warming station for connection to these amenities. Mercer County 911’s non-emergency number (304) 425-8911 can also assist in securing services.

Additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Mercer County area can be found here.