Portsmouth, OH – Residents in Scioto County will have access to a designated warming shelter tonight as temperatures continue to dip across southern Ohio.
According to the Scioto County Emergency Management Agency, a warming center will operate overnight on Monday, December 8, 2025, at ASCEND Counseling and Recovery Services, located at 729 6th Street in Portsmouth. The shelter will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., offering a safe and heated space for individuals needing relief from the cold.
Officials said the overnight hours are typically when exposure risk is highest, particularly for vulnerable residents, including those without stable housing or reliable heating. The warming center is part of an ongoing partnership between local emergency agencies and community service providers to reduce cold-weather injuries during winter months.
According to emergency management officials, shelters like the one opening tonight activate when temperatures or wind chills reach potentially dangerous levels. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, especially seniors or those living alone, as the region experiences a stretch of colder-than-normal December weather.
ASCEND Counseling staff will oversee operations, and the shelter will provide general seating, warm indoor conditions, and basic assistance. No preregistration is required, and walk-ins are welcome throughout the open hours.
Additional warming center updates may be posted by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and Scioto EMA on social media as weather conditions change this week.
Residents who need transportation assistance or further information can contact local non-emergency services.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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