PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee said the state has taken steps to prepare residents for expected snowfall on Jan. 19 and severe cold on Jan. 20. The following emergency winter hubs will provide additional overnight capacity and do not require referrals: West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St. – Open Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m. through Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.; Westerly WARM Center, 56 Spruce St. – Open 24/7; Woonsocket at 356 Clinton St. – Open Jan. 20 at 5:00 p.m. In addition, McKee listed the following overnight drop-in shelters as being open 24/7: Pawtucket: OpenDoors at 1139 Main St.; Providence: Crossroads Rhode Island at 160 Broad St.; Providence: Emmanuel House at 239 Public St.; South Kingstown: Welcome House of South County at 8 North Rd. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said it has crews on standby with 145 plows ready and an additional 220 vendors on call, as well as 50,000 tons of salt ready to treat roads. Drivers are advised to use caution around plows and salt trucks. The Rhode Island Department of Health said that during periods of extreme cold, people should dress in layers and cover exposed skin when they are outdoors; they should also limit their time outside and watch for frostbite or hypothermia. To avoid frozen pipes, residents should leave water taps dripping and open cabinets beneath sinks to let warm air near water pipes. Space heaters should also be kept three feet away from any flammable materials. Members of the public with a heating crisis can contact the Rhode Island Community Action Agency here. A full list of municipal warming centers can be found here. Categories: News, Rhode Island