CULLMAN, Ala. – Across the county during winter months, warming stations are available for community members.
In the city, the designated warming shelter is the Donald E. Green Active Adult Center 1625 Cleveland Ave. SW.
Here are some dos and don’ts for the shelter, according to the City of Cullman and City Council President Kim Hall.
- The warming shelter may be opened when the temperature is forecasted to be 28°F or below.
- Residents planning to stay overnight at the warming shelter will have to check in by 9 p.m.; if no one is on-site by 9 p.m., the shelter will close for the night.
- If the center is closed for the night due to the lack of need, a police officer will ensure that there is signage on the front door of the center that displays dispatch’s number where a person in need can call to request law enforcement to return and unlock the center and remain on-site.
- Guests will need to provide sleeping bags, pillows, sheets, etc. No pets/animals, firearms/weapons, cigarettes, tobacco, vapes, e-cigarettes or alcohol will be allowed. This is for public warming only.
- Emergency situations: The shelter can also be opened during emergency situations requested by the police chief and/or fire chief pending approval by the mayor.
- Dispatch will have the key and the officer that opens the shelter will sign for the key and return the key to dispatch when the warming shelter operation is completed.
Staffing guidelines:
- The warming shelter will be staffed by a police officer for security.
- Volunteers from local organizations and community groups may also assist in staffing the shelter.
“We are dedicated to keeping our citizens safe and warm,” Hall added.
Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Specialist Brent McDonald said while the Cullman County EMA does not directly operate individual warming shelters, it remains actively involved in supporting them.
“We want to ensure our community has what it needs during periods of extreme cold,” McDonald said. “We work closely with VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters), local churches, volunteer groups and community organizations to help coordinate shelter activations as needs arise. Throughout these events, we stay in constant communication with our partners to provide ongoing support.”
McDonald said that currently, Garden City First Baptist Church has stepped forward to offer a warm and safe place for anyone in need during dangerously cold weather.
“Their commitment, combined with the dedication of church staff and volunteers from across the area — truly reflects the compassion and strength of our community,” he said. “Those interested in utilizing the warming station can follow our social media pages for openings and closings. Although each shelter is independently operated, the EMA assists by sharing verified shelter openings and updates through our social media channels and local media partners. This helps ensure the public receives timely, accurate information when it matters most.”
McDonald shared that most shelters ask guests to bring their own bedding and any personal items they may need.
“Some locations may also request that guests bring food if meals are not provided,” McDonald said. “These guidelines allow shelter volunteers to focus on offering a safe, warm environment for those seeking refuge from the cold. The safety and well-being of our residents remain a top priority. During extreme cold, we are committed to staying engaged, supporting our shelter partners and helping make sure every person in Cullman County has access to warmth, safety and care.”
McDonald said if a local church or organization feels called to serve by hosting a warming station within Cullman County, the EMA would be honored to assist.
“Please reach out to us for guidance, resources or answers to any questions — we are here to help and to work alongside you to keep our community safe and warm,” McDonald said.
McDonald can be reached at the EMA office at 256-736-5426.
Find the Cullman County EMA online at www.facebook.com/CullmanCountyEMA.
