Starting Sunday, Feb. 22, In the Image of Christ, working with St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce, will open an emergency cold weather shelter at Percy Peek Gym (2902 Avenue D, Fort Pierce).

Shelter DetailsDates: Sunday, Feb. 22; Monday, Feb. 23; Tuesday, Feb. 24Hours: Opens at 5 p.m., closes at 8 a.m. the following dayFree Transportation Available

The Area Regional Transit (ART) will provide free rides to the shelter from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting Sunday, Feb. 22. Pickup locations include:

Port St. Lucie Intermodal Station, 395 SE Deacon Ave., Port St. LucieFort Pierce Intermodal Facility, 725 Avenue D, Fort PiercePrima Vista Crossing Bus Stop, east of U.S. 1Pinewood Park, 820 Sunrise Blvd., Fort PierceKilmer Branch Library, 101 Melody Lane, Fort PiercePublix Plaza at Taylor Creek, 1851 N. U.S. 1, Fort PiercePercy Peek Gym, 2902 Avenue D, Fort Pierce

For more information, contact Pastor Hazel Hoylman with In the Image of Christ at 772-359-9653.

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In the Image of Christ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with St. Lucie County to operate emergency cold-weather shelters when temperatures drop below 40 degrees for more than four hours.

Shelter GuidelinesSpace is limited for bulky or numerous itemsEach rider may bring up to four bags, max 10 pounds eachProhibited items: explosives, illegal substances, flammable liquids, or any hazardous materialsCold Weather Safety Tips

Protect People:

Limit outdoor exposure, especially overnight and early morningDress in layers including hats, gloves, and warm footwearCheck on elderly neighbors, children, and those with medical conditionsNever use grills, generators, or fuel-burning devices indoors

Protect Pets:

Bring pets indoors whenever possibleEnsure outdoor animals have warm, dry shelter and access to unfrozen waterNever leave pets in vehicles in cold weather

Protect Pipes & Property:

Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip slightlyOpen cabinet doors under sinks to circulate warm airKnow how to shut off water supply in case of a pipe failure

Use Space Heaters Safely:

Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable materialsTurn heaters off before sleeping or leaving the roomPlug heaters directly into wall outlets; avoid extension cords

Fire Safety & Outdoor Burning:

Avoid fire pits, bonfires, and trash burning due to high wildfire riskKeep grills or smokers at least 10 feet from structures, branches, and dry grassDo not park vehicles on dry grass

Stay Informed:

Monitor local weather forecasts and official county communications. Call 911 for emergencies; for non-emergencies, dial 772-465-5770. The St. Lucie County Public Safety Department encourages residents to prepare ahead to reduce risks during extreme cold weather.