COLUMBUS, Ind. – In preparation for the expected winter weather, Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon, along with leaders from the Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Police Department, Department of Public Works, ColumBUS Transit, Columbus Parks and Recreation, and Columbus Animal Care Services, convened Friday to strategize city services during the storm anticipated to begin late Sunday morning.
The National Weather Services has upgraded the storm to a Winter Storm Warning. “We encourage everyone to prepare in advance,” said Mike Richardson, Director of Safety and Security. “Your safety is our priority during this severe weather event.”
The City of Columbus is opening Donner Center as a warming center for the community from Sunday, January 5, through Saturday, January 11. It will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, providing a safe and warm refuge for those in need. Animals are welcome at Donner Center, however, they must be kept in crates and will be housed in a designated area of the facility. Columbus Animal Care Services will provide the crates.
After 5 p.m., Brighter Days shelter will continue to offer relief from the cold for those in need. Two branches of the Bartholomew County Public Library are also designated as warming centers:
- Main Branch, downtown at 536 5th St., is available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Hope Branch, at 635 Harrison St., is open Monday/Tuesday (10 a.m.- 7 p.m.); Wednesday (10 a.m.- 5 p.m.); Thursday/Friday (10 a.m.- 6 p.m.); and, Saturday (10 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
To find warming centers near you, Indiana residents can call 2-1-1 or click here.
