In light of the frigid temperatures, County Executive Robert P. Astorino emphasized the availability of warm places to stay overnight for anyone seeking shelter from the cold. Families seeking shelter – or anyone who knows of a family in need – should first contact their local municipality, which may be able to provide assistance close to home. Residents can also call the county's Emergency Services hotline at (914) 995-2099. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"No one should be out in the cold at a time like this, especially with temperatures dropping below zero," Astorino said. "If you or anyone you know needs shelter, our warming centers are available. We especially want to make sure families and children have a warm place to stay."

Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Kevin McGuire said that in situations such as these, the county regularly works closely with local police and municipal officials to provide safe shelter to those in need. "We urge anyone who needs a warm place to stay to take advantage of our resources," McGuire said.

While families should contact Emergency Services first, single individuals can contact the following five warming and drop in centers directly:

Peekskill and Surrounding Area
Jan Peek Shelter
(Co-ed facility)
200 North Water St.
Peekskill
(914) 736-2636
Accessible by Bee-Line bus route # 14,15,16,17

Oasis Shelter
(Co-ed facility)
19 Washington Ave.
New Rochelle
(914) 633-0101
Accessible by Bee-Line bus route # 7,42,45,60,66

White Plains and Surroung Area
Samaritan House Shelter
(Female only facility)
33 Church St.
White Plains
(914) 948-3075
Accessible by Bee-Line bus route # 1,5,6,13,14,15,40,41

Open Arms Shelter
(Male only facility)
86 East Post Rd.
White Plains
(914) 948-5044
Accessible by Bee-Line bus route # 1,5,6,13,14,15,40,41

Yonkers and Surrounding Area
Sharing Community
(Co-ed facility)
1 Hudson St.
Yonkers
(914) 963-2626
Accessible by Bee-Line bus route # 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,25,30