Alexander County will open an emergency shelter to support residents impacted by this weekend’s winter storm. The shelter will open on Sunday, January 25, at 9:00 a.m. in the JV gymnasium at Alexander Central High School (223 School Dr., Taylorsville). Food, water, and basic necessities will be provided.
This shelter is intended as a lifesaving measure for situations where weather conditions pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury. Shelter capacity and resources will be limited. Residents are strongly encouraged to have their own emergency preparedness plans in place.
Those seeking shelter should bring essential items only, including medications, clothing, emergency kits, and toiletries.
Pets will not be allowed inside the shelter. However, residents arriving with pets may have them temporarily housed at the Alexander County Animal Shelter. When possible, county staff will provide transportation for pets from the high school to the animal shelter.
No alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons are permitted inside the shelter.
In addition, a warming shelter will be available in the lobby of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, located at 91 Commercial Park Avenue in Taylorsville. This location is intended for short-term warming only and is not an overnight shelter.
A hotline has been established at 828-352-7844 for residents seeking additional information or needing transportation to the emergency shelter. All shelter-related questions and transportation requests should be directed to the hotline. The hotline will be operational beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing a true emergency. For non-emergency calls not related to the shelter, call (828) 632-2911.
Stay up to date with the winter storm at https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026.
Donations being accepted for emergency shelter
With the announcement of an Alexander County emergency shelter, individuals and organizations have expressed a most-appreciated desire to provide supplies for the shelter. The county will accept donations of non-perishable, pre-packed food and supplies at the Alexander County Detention Center (use the lobby phone for assistance). Donations are appreciated, especially before the storm begins on Saturday.