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City of Columbia To Open Temporary Overnight Warming Center Due To Extreme Cold

Meiying Wu
/
KBIA

The City of Columbia is opening a temporary overnight warming center to prepare for the extreme cold weather coming in over the weekend.

The city will turn the Wabash Bus Station on 10th Street, into a shelter from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7. This follows the city’s procedure of opening an overnight warming center when the temperature reaches below ten degrees.

Public information specialist, Sara Humm, says that the temporary overnight shelter is determined by forecasts and different city entities.

“It’s a process that we created last year,” Humm said. “If it is below that certain temperature, then the health department makes a recommendation to the city manager to enact an emergency overnight shelter.”

While the station isn’t open during the day due to COVID-19, it is ready for those who need it at night, according to Columbia Transportation Superintendent, Dale Lynn.

“We will make sure that we provide whatever we're asked to provide,” Lynn said. “This time is just providing a facility. There will be plenty of space around the heaters on the floor for everyone to find a place to be comfortable.”

If the temperature remains under ten degrees into next week, the temporary overnight warming center will continue to be available for those in need.