Red Cross Opens Local NH Shelters - Patch.com
Four regional shelters will be opened by the Red Cross disaster staff, including one at Nashua High School North, providing a refuge for residents of several surrounding towns in the event of needed evacuations.
"Right now we're looking at opening the shelter at 6 p.m., said Justin Kates, Nashua's Director of Emergency Management.
He said the current message to residents is to watch for weather updates on the National Weather Service.
"That's the key to this whole thing. Other than that, secure loose belongings outside your home and report any storm damage or blocked roads," Kates said.
The shelter is being set up for those who have had major flooding or wind damage problems in the past. The shelter should be a last resort, Kates said.
"Find a safe location -- preferably with a family member of friend. The shelter is a last refuge for anyone, a back-up in case you have no other safe place to go," Kates said.
Although the city has the capacity to add a second emergency shelter at Nashua High School South, Kates said the probability of that was not great.
"It appears the storm has weakened, and that's good news for us," Kates said.
One of his goals has been to set up a Facebook and Twitter account for Nashua's emergency services. However, having just arrived in late July from a previous position in Delaware, the arrival of Hurricane Irene caught Kates a little off guard.
Ian Dyar, Emergency Services Director for the American Red Cross in New Hampshire, said the window of opportunity to be prepared is closing fast.
"As this storm moves toward the East Coast, people who are living or vacationing in areas that could see its impact need to get ready now," said Dyar. "We urge them to take the threat of Irene seriously and finalize their hurricane preparations and get their emergency kits ready."
Those in the path of the storm should know that a "hurricane watch" means hurricane conditions could threaten the area within 48 hours. A "hurricane warning" means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Those in the affected area should finish their storm preparations and leave the area if authorities ask them to do so.
Even a passing glance from Irene could cause problems in New Hampshire, Dyar said, including power outages or flooding.
"The same basic readiness tips apply regardless of how severe the storm is. These are steps you should take to be ready for any emergency."
Along the East Coast, the American Red Cross is urging people in potential evacuation areas to familiarize themselves with the Red Cross Safe and Well website. This site allows individuals to let their loved ones know what their situation is due to the hurricane impacts. The site can be also be accessed by going to www.redcross.org/safeandwell on a smart phone, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Dyar said people can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well site. Affected residents who have iPhones can also download the free Red Cross shelter finder app in the Apple iTunes store.
The Red Cross Emergency Shelter at Nashua North High School will be "pet-friendly," according to Director of Emergency Management Justin Kates.
Anyone relocating to a shelter should bring with them:
● Bedding ● Special needs foods, snacks ● Personal hygiene items ● Medications ● Games, books, toys to occupy children
It is important to note that if you are staying in your home, make sure you have your emergency kit ready. It is very possible that our area could be without power for an extended period of time. Top off your vehicles with fuel and practice good generator safety.
Keep up with Bedford Patch for developing information, tips and news regarding the looming storm threat.
For more safety information or assistance call the Bedford Fire Department: 603-472-3219
In case of emergency call the town's public safety dispatch center at: 603-472-5113 or, of course, 911.
You can also visit the town's emergency management Web site at:
http://www.bedfordnh.org/pages/BedfordNH_Emergency/Index
or the state's safety division at:
www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/hsem/
or the American Red Cross at:
28 Aug, 2011--
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