DeKalb County officials announced on March 16 that several warming centers will be open from Monday, March 16 through Wednesday, March 18, in response to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills.
The activation of these centers is intended to provide shelter for residents who may be vulnerable during extreme cold weather. The county has arranged for multiple locations to operate as warming centers around the clock during this period, including Exchange Park Intergenerational Center in Decatur, Frontline Response International in Atlanta, and Tobie Grant Recreation Center in Scottdale. Additionally, St. Vincent de Paul in Chamblee will serve women only during nighttime hours.
Transportation services will be available for DeKalb County citizens needing access to the warming centers. All routes originate from Frontline Response Headquarters and begin at 6:00 p.m., with initial pickups completed by 7:30 p.m. Final sweep operations continue until all routes conclude at 10:00 p.m. Early entry is also available at Frontline Response Headquarters starting at noon on March 16 and March 17.
Frontline Response International is contracted by DeKalb County to assist individuals during extreme weather conditions. For transportation or coordination assistance, residents can contact Frontline Response Dispatch or visit their headquarters.
In addition to emergency preparations, recent data show that enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year according to the Georgia Department of Education. The total student enrollment was reported as 98,287 students according to the Georgia Department of Education.
Demographic information indicates that Black students made up the largest group within DeKalb County schools at 55.7%, followed by Hispanic students at 20.1% according to the Georgia Department of Education. White students represented about 14% of the student body, while multiracial students were the least represented group at just over three percent according to the Georgia Department of Education.
Residents seeking more information about warming center locations or transportation options are encouraged to visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
