Three shelters will be available for those seeking refuge from the cold forecasted for the next several days, Mayor Jim Newberry announced Tuesday.

The Salvation Army, 736 West Main Street, will provide shelter to women and children; the Hope Center, 360 West Loudon Avenue, will provide shelter to men; and the Catholic Action Center, 400 East Fifth Street, will be open to anyone.

If those three shelters fill up, the city's Division of Emergency Management will coordinate back-up shelter space as needed.

There have already been instances of abandoned buildings set on fire because of the cold weather, Newberry said. "This happens when it's bitter cold and homeless people are trying to keep warm. But it is very dangerous for the individuals involved."

For more information, call LexCall at 311.