RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – With such frigid temperatures, the Sofia Fire Department is ensuring southern West Virginians stay safe.
That means opening its emergency warming station in response to Governor Morrisey’s state of preparedness declaration.
“To provide for our community, who’s always given to us in donations or whatever it might be,” said Assistant Safety Officer/Firefighter Natasha Smith. “So we’re giving back to the community at this time. We want to make sure that their safety and well-being are our priority.”
The SFD emergency warming station is open daily from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., when the temperatures dip below 15 degrees.
“Let’s say that we have people here. That does not mean that we will automatically close the doors at 5 a.m. – we will at least extend that until 7 a.m.,” Smith said. “That way, the sun has time to come up, they’re not just out in the pitch dark, and it’s still a little more chilly at that time.”
The warming center is for the unhoused, homeless, and those who don’t have enough heat in their homes at this time.
“That may be heating with a kerosene heater or, worst case scenario, all they have is an electric blanket,” said the assistant safety officer. “Take advantage of this building. Come here, get warm.”
Smith has been a firefighter for more than 32 years, and says giving back is her heart and soul.
“To know that I can give someone else a little bit of happiness or something in their time of need, that’s what we need in this world today,” the firefighter said. “Come and find safety with us, even if it’s just a lending ear or a lending shoulder. We’re here.”
