MARION COUNTY, Fla. – As temperatures drop, Marion County officials and the Salvation Army are stepping up to ensure residents stay safe during the cold snap.
From opening shelters to monitoring bridges for ice, the county said it’s prepared for the chilly weather.
Lieutenant Paul Bloom from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said they’ve been preparing for the wintry blast.
Bloom said deputies will work coordinate with the Florida Department of Transportation to keep an eye on roads and bridges for ice.
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“We want to check those and make sure they’re safe to cross,” Bloom said. “A lot of folks, that’s their way to work every day. So, we want to make sure it’s safe.”
Bloom said FDOT is particularly focused on Highway 40, and said deputies will be stationed at the Eureka Bridge to watch for icy conditions.
While trucks from FDOT are ready to spread salt and sand on the roads if needed, Bloom suggested residents should stay off the roads if possible.
But if you do need to drive, Bloom provided some safety tips.
“We’ve got these wintry, rainy, potentially sleet conditions that are happening,” Bloom said. “Leave earlier. Give yourself some time and just be sure.”
Bloom also suggested making sure you have plenty of fuel in your car.
It’s not just the county that’s preparing for the cold.
The Salvation Army has opened its doors to those seeking refuge from the frigid temperatures.
Scott Lyles, the social service coordinator for the Salvation Army in Ocala, said they can accommodate an additional 80 people during cold weather events. “If you need this place, if you’re here, come in, get warm,” Lyles said. “There are a lot of reasons why somebody may not want to come in. You know, we’ll worry about that tomorrow, but at least make it through the night. Be warm, be safe.”
For those interested in staying at the cold weather shelter, the Salvation Army begins taking people in at 6 p.m. Lyles emphasized that you don’t have to be homeless to seek shelter. If you lack a safe, reliable source of heat in your home, you’re welcome to stay at the Salvation Army shelter until 7 a.m. Wednesday.
In addition, Marion County Public Schools posted on Facebook that schools will be open on Wednesday, Jan. 22. However, outdoor activities scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday are canceled, while indoor activities will proceed as planned. The post also said PE classes and recess will be held indoors to ensure student safety.
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