FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 30, 2026
CONTACT:
Office of Public Communications
opc@savannahga.gov
Savannah - An Extreme Cold Weather Watch has been issued for Savannah and Chatham County. Dangerously cold temperatures will move into our area Saturday evening and continue through Monday morning. Temperatures will drop into the low 20s, with wind chill temperatures dropping below 10 degrees. There is a chance of rain and/or snow Saturday afternoon into Sunday.
The City of Savannah, Chatham County, and community partners are working together to open a warming center at the Greenbriar Children’s Center for those without heat or housing.
The Greenbriar Children’s Center gymnasium, located at 3709 Hopkins Street, will open Saturday at 7 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. the following morning. The center will open again Sunday night at 7 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. Monday morning. Pets, under the owner’s control, are welcome.
Shelter Information:
Greenbriar Children's Center gymnasium - 3709 Hopkins St.
- 7 p.m. Saturday, January 31 - 7 a.m. Sunday, February 1st
- 7 p.m. Sunday, February 1 - 7 a.m. Monday, February 2
Salvation Army - 3100 Montgomery St.
- 5 beds for women
- 3 beds for men
Union Mission - 120 Fahm St.
- 5 beds for women
- 15 beds for men
Come As You Are - 1901 Pennsylvania Ave.
Shelter availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Renegade Paws is available for pet assistance.
Transportation Assistance
The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) Outreach Team is available to assist individuals with transportation to shelter locations:
Monday– Tuesday, Jan. 26-27
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., call 912-547-0652
5 p.m. - 9 p.m., call 912-547-7877
After 9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, call 912-803-2994.
Media will not be allowed inside the warming center. Media may call (do not text) Catherine Glasby (Chatham County) at 912-661-0397 with any questions.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
Residents are encouraged to prepare for the coming cold weather. As temperatures drop, remember to protect the 4 P’s: People, pets, pipes, and plants. If you have not already, fully drain and disconnect all outdoor irrigation systems ahead of this storm.
· Minimize time outdoors
· Prepare for power outages.
· Check on the elderly and other vulnerable people to ensure wellbeing.
· Keep your pets warm, dry, and indoors as much as possible.
· Ensure your pet’s food and water do not freeze.
· Limit outside time for your pet and keep them bundled up.
· Insulate pipes if possible.
· Open sink cabinets to expose pipes to heated air.
· Disconnect hoses and turn off water to sprinklers.
· Know the temperature thresholds of your plants.
· If possible, cover plants before the cold weather sets in to help retain some heat.
Bundling up and staying dry are two of the best ways to stay safe in cold weather. Wearing layers helps your body hold in heat as temperatures drop.
· In cold weather: Wear 2–3 layers, a warm hat, gloves, and a jacket that blocks wind and wet snow. Wear 1–2 warm layers on your legs and waterproof boots.
· In extreme cold: Wear 3 or more layers, including one warm, insulating layer. Add a warm hat, gloves, a wind-blocking outer coat, 2 or more warm layers on your legs, and waterproof boots.
Use caution when using an alternate electricity or heat source like a generator or space heater.
· Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.
· Never use a generator in a closed space. Make sure it is outside where exhaust fumes can safely vent.
· Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off.
· Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equipment.