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Ohio towns not spared from Friday's storms
Updated: Saturday, 30 Jun 2012, 10:53 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 30 Jun 2012, 9:52 PM EDT
VAN WERT, Ohio (WANE) - If you drive into Ohio, it's evident certain towns were hit hard by Friday's storm, especially Van Wert.
Thousands of people in Van Wert county are without power because of the storm. County officials say it could be up to a week before power is fully restored.
The American Red Cross has stepped in to help and opened up Van Wert Middle School for shelter, leaving families with a place to stay if they have no power.
"When the power went out, along with the electricity, we have no water either. So that just kind of left us with pretty much nothing," said Charlene Sandersons, who was at the shelter with her husband, Bill.
Red Cross is offering a meal, a place to sleep, and showers. Van Wert Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy has been busy since last night surveying damage across the county. While he might be out trying to help as much as he can, he knows people are coming together to lending a helping hand when needed.
"Communities know how to bind together and people are helping their neighbors," McCoy said.
A Tornado Warning was issued for Van Wert County Friday evening, but forecasters say there was no sighting of a tornado. Majority of damage done within the county was due to straight-line winds.
McCoy said Van Wert Middle School will be open for shelter until furthur notice. He said people could experience power outages for up to a week.
Hugh Saunier, Van Wert County Homeland Security Public Information Officer, released this press release regarding power outages in the county and more details about the shelter:
Widespread power outages continue in large portions of Van Wert County. According to the AEP website, outages are effecting over 500,000 customers in Ohio and service may not be restored in some areas for 5-7 days.
The Van Wert chapter of the American Red Cross continues to operate an emergency shelter at the Van Wert Middle School, 10708 SR118. Those who need assistance should arrive at the shelter with their own medication, clothes, pillow and blanket. Showers will be available and residents should bring their own soap, towels and other hygiene items. Pets will not be permitted in the shelter. If you have no other means to get to the shelter, contact the Van Wert Emergency Management Agency 419-238-1300.
Main transmission lines north of the city of Van Wert were damaged in the storm. Power crews are working to reroute electricity with priority on restoring service to health care facilities. At 5:15pm 6/30/12 the Van Wert County Hospital had power restored.
Local law enforcement encourages people to stay put and only travel when necessary. Do not attempt to move any utility lines. Please remove debris to the curb area and do not put debris in the streets.
Van Wert County Health Dept has been making contact with subscribers to their internet service called “Saving Minutes”. This service is a web based list of persons in the Van Wert area that are a health risk in the event of some type of wide spread emergency situation. Those who think they may qualify should enroll at www.vanwertcountyhealth.org
The Van Wert chapter of the American Red Cross continues to operate an emergency shelter at the Van Wert Middle School, 10708 SR118. Those who need assistance should arrive at the shelter with their own medication, clothes, pillow and blanket. Showers will be available and residents should bring their own soap, towels and other hygiene items. Pets will not be permitted in the shelter. If you have no other means to get to the shelter, contact the Van Wert Emergency Management Agency 419-238-1300.
Main transmission lines north of the city of Van Wert were damaged in the storm. Power crews are working to reroute electricity with priority on restoring service to health care facilities. At 5:15pm 6/30/12 the Van Wert County Hospital had power restored.
Local law enforcement encourages people to stay put and only travel when necessary. Do not attempt to move any utility lines. Please remove debris to the curb area and do not put debris in the streets.
Van Wert County Health Dept has been making contact with subscribers to their internet service called “Saving Minutes”. This service is a web based list of persons in the Van Wert area that are a health risk in the event of some type of wide spread emergency situation. Those who think they may qualify should enroll at www.vanwertcountyhealth.org
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