Jeff Davis Parish will be opening a cold weather shelter beginning Sunday to help those in need of a warm place to stay as freezing temperatures and potential snow and ice threaten the area.

The shelter will be open from 3 p.m. Sunday to 3 p.m. Thursday at the multi-purpose building, 814 S. Lake Arthur Ave., at the parish fairgrounds in Jenning.

“We have been asked to open the multi-purpose building for a warming shelter due to the cold weather event,” Police Juror Steve Eastman said Friday.

“The last shelter we had was after Hurricane Katrina in 2015, so this is new ground for us,” Eastman continued. “We are all going to do our best and get support from the people. We hope the people who come to the shelter realize they are there because they can’t be anywhere else in this cold.”

Sheriff Kyle Miers said plans for shelter, which will be open to Jeff Davis Parish residents needing a warm place to stay during cold weather, began as a concerned citizen reaching out to help the homeless and those with limited resources.

Miers said temperatures are expected to begin dropping Sunday and will continue to drop below freezing through Thursday with 4-6 inches of snow possible.

During a special meeting of the police jury on Friday, police jurors agreed to pay an estimated $14,400 for five deputies to oversee the shelter on a 24-hour basis. The deputies will provide security, logistics and help serve the food.

Area churches and other volunteers are expected to provide water and at least two meals for up to 50 people. The number of guests could increase if any areas are without power, Eastman said.

Those planning to stay at the shelter will need to bring their basic necessities, extra clothes, medications, special dietary foods and baby supplies.

The police jury will provide toilet paper, trash bags and assist with shelter maintenance.

Restrooms. showers, blankets and cots are two kitchens available at the shelter.

No alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms or other weapons will be allowed.

Security will be provided by the Sheriff’s Office and Jennings Police Department. Anyone not following the rules will be asked to leave.

Those staying at the shelter will be required to provide their name, a date of birth and information on the next-of-kin. Guests must also follow all shelter rules.

Those seeking more information can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 337-824-2100.