Cabarrus activates emergency shelter; State of Emergency declared
Published on January 24, 2026
To support residents impacted by winter storm conditions, Cabarrus County Emergency Management has opened an emergency shelter at the Concord Active Living Center (formerly the Concord Senior Center) at 331 Corban Ave. SE in Concord. Visitors should enter the facility at the main entrance on the far-right side of the property.
The shelter is open to anyone who needs a warm, safe place to go.
Admission is first-come, first-served. Limited space is available. Meals will be provided with limited food options.
County officials began pre-staging at the center on Friday. The shelter is fully staffed by County employees and partner agencies, with security provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Visitors will receive a handout upon entering that covers safety, health and hygiene, meals and general shelter guidelines.
Other general shelter rules and information:
- No weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping or smoking inside the shelter
- Individuals must provide their own transportation to the shelter
- Pets (cats and dogs only) will be housed in a Companion Animal Shelter Trailer. Please bring the necessary food and medication for your pets.
- Limited shower facilities are available
Items visitors should bring to the shelter:
- Cellphone and charger
- Necessary or required medications
- Items brought to the shelter should be minimal, limited space is available
- Consider bringing limited non-perishable food if you or a family member has a specific dietary restriction
- Limited small activity items for children if they are accompanying you to the shelter
The shelter will remain open until further notice.
State of Emergency declared ahead of storm
Earlier Saturday, the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency on behalf of Cabarrus County and municipalities within the county.
“With this declaration, we can act quickly and decisively for an effective response throughout the county,” said Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chair Laura Lindsey, who signed the declaration. “We encourage all our residents to take steps to keep themselves and their families safe.”
The declaration allows Cabarrus County and municipalities to adjust staffing and services, deploy emergency resources and take other necessary actions to protect lives and property. It stays in effect until it is rescinded.
Information hotline established
Also on Saturday, County officials activated an information hotline to provide updates to the community. Residents can call 704-920-COLD to hear recorded messages with information about shelters and warming centers. The line will be updated as new developments occur.
Cabarrus County parks closed Sunday
Cabarrus County parks will close for weather on Sunday (January 25, 2026). The closure impacts Frank Liske, Rob Wallace, Virginia Foil, Vietnam Veterans and Camp T.N. Spencer.
Stay updated by following the communication channels for the County and local cities and towns. Residents can also register to receive real-time alerts from CabCo ALERT. Notifications can be delivered by text, email or phone. Register at www.cabcoalert.org.