Emergency Shelter Opens in Cabarrus County Ahead of Winter Storm
County officials urge residents to stay safe as a State of Emergency, weather hotline and Sunday park closures go into effect.
Cabarrus County officials have opened an emergency shelter at the Concord Active Living Center (formerly the Concord Senior Center) to support residents affected by ongoing winter storm conditions.
The facility, located at 331 Corban Ave. SE in Concord, is open to anyone in need of a warm, safe place to stay. Visitors should use the main entrance on the far-right side of the property. Space is limited and admission is first-come, first-served. Meals will be provided, though options may be limited.
County emergency management teams began pre-staging at the site on Friday. The shelter is staffed by County employees and partner agencies, with security provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, officials said. It will remain open until further notice.
Visitors will receive safety and shelter guidelines upon entry. County officials noted several rules and recommendations:
General rules and information
No weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping or smoking inside the shelter
Visitors must provide their own transportation
Cats and dogs only; pets will be housed separately in a Companion Animal Shelter Trailer
Pet owners should bring necessary food and medication for animals
Limited shower facilities are available
Recommended items to bring
Cellphone and charger
Necessary medications
Minimal personal belongings due to limited space
Limited non-perishable food for those with dietary restrictions
Small activities for children
State of Emergency Declared
Earlier Saturday, the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency for Cabarrus County and its municipalities ahead of the storm.
“With this declaration, we can act quickly and decisively for an effective response throughout the county,” said Board Chair Laura Blackwell Lindsey, who signed the declaration. “We encourage all our residents to take steps to keep themselves and their families safe.”
The declaration allows the County to adjust staffing, deploy emergency resources and take other steps to protect lives and property. It remains in effect until rescinded.
Information Hotline and Park Closures
A new information hotline — 704-920-COLD — has been activated to provide residents with recorded updates on shelters and warming centers. The line will be updated as conditions change.
County parks will close on Sunday, January 25, due to weather. The closure affects Frank Liske Park, Rob Wallace Park, Virginia Foil Park, Vietnam Veterans Park and Camp T.N. Spencer.
Residents can monitor updates through County and municipal communication channels.
Real-time alerts are also available via CabCo ALERT, which can deliver notifications by text, email or phone. Registration is available at cabcoalert.org.