Warming centers, ODOT prep for winter storm

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As this winter storm nears many people around the city have been preparing, whether you're ensuring people can travel safely through the storm like Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) or warming centers helping people escape the freezing conditions.     

3rd Shift Warming Cooling Center is just one of many shelters throughout Columbus gearing up for an increase in demand. As staff member Benjamin Orange notes, it's important to help those in need of shelter from the harsh weather.    

"We're here, the doors never close, every 24 hours,” Orange said. “Whenever, however, the community needs us, we're here, Like I said we have resources."    

The shelter has been steadfast in their commitment to provide hot meals, coats, blankets, and a place to sleep overnight for anyone in need. Another staff member, Darius Mosley, also exclaimed they have trained for any given scenario, even losing power.     

"We are prepared,” Mosley said. “We have industrial flashlights and candles, we also have a backup generator that, you know, that's a kick on if there's ever a power outage or anything."

Also preparing for the storm is ODOT. Press Secretary Matt Burning says that some of their crews have been working 12-hour shifts for the past few days and they are confident roads will be cleared as quickly and efficiently as possible.      

"This is what our men and women do the best of what we do,” Burning said. “We've got 3000 people across the state of Ohio that are ready to go. 1500 trucks that are ready to go. We've got more than 600,000 tons of salt on the ground under our roof. So, we are ready to go."    

For those who will be driving in this storm, ODOT is urging people to be aware of the snowplows that will be on the road. Reminding drivers to always keep a safe and steady distance.     

"We get rear ended a lot of times for people who are just following the truck too close,” Burning said. “We get hit by people who are trying to pass the plow or people who pull out in front of those snowplows. They don't stop on a dime So, we need people to give us room to work." 

And if you or someone you know is seeking shelter from the cold, we have a link of warming centers here.