Temperatures are expected to dip sharply across Southwest Florida on Monday evening, prompting local shelters to open their doors to protect residents from the cold.
The Salvation Army in Fort Myers began accepting people as a preventive measure, while St. Matthew’s House is also providing emergency shelter for those in need.
“We allow anybody in the community to arrive at our doors at 8 p.m.,” said Michael Nojunas, Program Director of the Campbell Lodge at St. Matthew’s House. “We’re going to give them a safe place to sleep, a roof over their head, a blanket, and some food and water — they’ll be taken care of overnight.”
The shelter activates its emergency cold-weather plan when temperatures fall below 55 degrees and will remain open for the next three nights.
However, Nojunas noted that pets are not allowed inside.
“We have folks show up with pets, and we have nowhere to house animals in our facility,” he said.
With limited shelter space, local humane groups are urging residents to protect their pets from the cold.
“If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet,” said Darcy Andrade of the Gulf Coast Humane Society.
Short-haired dogs are especially at risk. Signs your pet is too cold include shivering, lethargy, or curling up tightly. Andrade recommends limiting walks, providing warm bedding, and ensuring outdoor animals have insulated housing.
Florida’s tropical plants are also vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Kristen Eriksen of Riverland Nursery advises moving container plants closer to the home to shield them from cold winds.
For plants rooted in the ground, she suggests covering the base and trunk with a sheet or frost cloth overnight, removing it in the morning, and avoiding direct contact with leaves whenever possible.
Homes also need attention as the cold front settles in. When switching HVAC systems from cooling to heating, residents might notice a burning smell — a normal sign that dust is burning off heating elements.
Randy Challender of Extreme Temp A/C & Heating recommends running heating systems briefly in advance to confirm they’re working before the coldest nights hit.
As Southwest Florida braces for the chill, residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, bring pets inside, protect plants, and prepare their homes. With a few precautions, the community can stay safe, warm, and ready for this rare cold snap.
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