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Schools, shelters prepare for frigid cold in Carolinas

"We’re planning for the worst, but hoping for the best."

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Schools and shelters were busy preparing for the Charlotte-area’s first extreme cold snap of the season.

School districts inspected buses to ensure batteries and gear shifts would work properly in freezing temperatures. They said the goal was to prevent any issues or delays that could impact thousands of students.

"These buses, even though they've been used for a few months, they haven't really been tested in cold weather," said Bryan Vaughn Director of Safety and Transportation for Lancaster Schools.

In Mecklenburg County, the shelters have now moved to overflow status. That means additional sleeping mats will be available in the men’s shelter. The Salvation Army Center of Hope is also expanding its capacity and will implement a no-turn away policy.

"The response has been one of thankfulness to be able to get out of the cold," said Randall Hitt of the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Urban Ministries Center.

The threat of black ice is also a concern. Many school districts said they were expecting some slight delays just to ensure everyone is safe. 

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