Police Jury President Steve Eastman on Friday issued a State of Emergency due to the severe winter weather conditions expected throughout much of the week. The declaration provides state assistance for weather-related needs.

A cold weather shelter opened Sunday afternoon at the multipurpose building located at the Jeff Davis Parish fairgrounds at 814 South Lake Arthur Avenue (La. 26) in Jennings. It will remain open until 3 p.m. Thursday.

Less than a handful of residents were seeking shelter early Monday, but Sheriff Kyle Miers said more were anticipated as temperatures begin to drop on Monday and snow begins to move into the area.

“I anticipate we will see more people once the sun goes down and the temperatures start dropping and the wind starts blowing,” Miers said. “I pray that they will show up for a warm bed, shower and food rather than try to make it on their own.”

The shelter is open free to Jeff Davis Parish residents experiencing homelessness and those who do not have sufficient heating or limited resources, he said. No pets are allowed.

“We’ve had an overflow of volunteers and supplies from churches and others including the Rougarou Motorcycle Club, who have brought food and helped set up,” Miers said.

The shelter will provide meals, water, basic toiletries, restrooms, showers, cots and blankets for those seeking refuge. Televisions, card tables and games are also provided.

Five deputies are working around the clock to provide security, logistics and assist with registration at the shelter. Volunteers from the community are also helping with logistics and registration.

Alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms or weapons are prohibited. No vaping or smoking is allowed inside the building.

Residents hunkering down at home are urged to have enough food, water, medicine and other supplies for at least three days.

The area will likely remain below freezing for 50-60 consecutive hours and not climb above freezing again until Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Louisiana State Police are also urging drivers to be cautious during the winter weather and avoid unnecessary travel.

Road closures are possible as snow and ice continue to accumulate. Snowfall totals of 2-6 inches are most likely south of U.S. 190, although localized amounts as high as 10 inches are possible.

Snow totals are expected to be lower north of U.S. 190 with 2-4 inches likely.

Hazardous driving conditions, possible power outages and issues with frozen pipes have led to the closure of all schools and many state and parish offices through at least Wednesday.

“Having these two days allows us to assess our schools late Wednesday afternoon, once the temperature gets above freezing and make needed repairs to our infrastructure,” Superintendent John Hall said. “It will also allow bus operators to survey their routes on Wednesday afternoon once it is safe.”

School officials will continue to monitor the weather forecasts, temperatures and road conditions before making a decision to reopen schools on Thursday.

Residents are reminded to check on family and friends, especially the elderly during this time. Precautions should also be taken to protect pets, pipes and plants,

Local fire departments are also cautioning residents to safely heat their homes and have working smoke alarms.

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For transportation to the shelter contact the Jennings Police Department at 337-821-5500, ext 500.