SAVANNAH, Ga. () — With predicted freezing temperatures in a place that doesn’t normally see extreme cold, cities and counties in our area are preparing to take in people looking for a place to escape the elements.

Community centers, homeless shelters and even jails are just a few of the spaces that are opening up throughout our area as warming centers over the next few days.

“These temperatures are very dangerous. They’re extremely dangerous. We had somebody freeze to death on us before,” Program Director of Old Savannah City Mission Jermaine Ray said.

Many municipalities are finding unique ways to house anyone who’s seeking shelter.

“We had a little bit of issue finding a place that was large enough to suit the people we’re expecting, and we were at our department head meeting. That’s when we started talking about the jail,” Fire Captain and EMA director for Long County Chris Stock said. “The jail, it’s not operational, but it does have a generator large enough to power the whole facility, including the heat.”

Some of the warming centers are pop-ups, like in Savannah.

“The nice thing about it is that you’re getting a lot of these guys off the streets and getting them into a warm area, and you can tell they’re very excited to be here,” Assistant Director of Recreation and Leisure Services for the City of Savannah Peter Maierhofer said.

Others in the area are extensions of programs that already exist, and they urged people who haven’t yet to come inside.

“We are one of a number of partners that are actually open tonight, but it’s so cold as we have this heavy wind chill that’s coming into the area. So, we want to make sure we provide this space,” Community Services Chief for the City of Savannah Taffanye Young said.