First responders in Roanoke are dealing with dangerous conditions as a winter storm blankets the area, prompting the city to activate its 24-hour Emergency Operations Center.
The rare move, typically reserved for severe emergencies, brings together departments from across the city, including police, fire, public works, social services and even finance staff to coordinate response efforts around the clock.
Roanoke Fire-EMS reported a surge in emergency calls as temperatures dropped. Crews responded to 70 calls Sunday, including a kerosene fire that left one person seriously injured and another with minor injuries. Firefighters have also handled numerous cold exposure calls and assisted with transporting people to warming shelters…