By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Colder temperatures, including overnight temperatures in the teens, have been forecast for Chilton County this week.

Two local nonprofits are providing space on an as needed basis to help people stay warm.

Riley’s Place and Through the Grace of God Ministries both have space open to the public as a place to stay if needed.

Bro. Ralph Bingham of Through the Grace of God Ministries said he lives on the ministry property, so he is onsite to let people in. He did ask that anyone in need call ahead at (205) 755-8199.

Riley’s Place is making cabins available.

Sharon King of Riley’s Place said the organization uses the cabins for its summer camp and makes them open to the community when needed in inclement weather.

“During the ice storm, we had some families stay here that didn’t have power,” King said.

Most of the time a local police department will notify Riley’s Place of someone needing somewhere to stay. King said families can contact Riley’s Place at (205) 217-1366 if they are in need of a place to stay warm.

She said the organization was happy to help the community.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Hard Freeze Warning for several areas in Central Alabama, including Chilton County. The warning remains in effect until 8 a.m. on Jan 4.

In addition to avoiding prolonged times outside, precautions should be to keep pipes, pets and sensitive plants warm.

NWS Birmingham warns in its report that “prolonged exposure to these temperatures could result in exposed water pipes freezing and possibly bursting, as well as killing sensitive vegetation.”