Shelters open, schools close Wednesday
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on September 13, 2005 1:51 PM
Wayne County emergency management officials decided today to open three shelter locations in preparation for Tropical Storm Ophelia.
Also, county school officials decided today to close schools Wednesday. A determination of the schools' schedule for the rest of the week will be made later, school officials said.
Shelters will open at 8 p.m. at the Salvation Army building on William Street, at Spring Creek High School on N.C. 111 South, at Southern Wayne High School on U.S. 117 Alternate and at Goldsboro Middle School as an alternative site. They will be operated by the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross.
The shelters are open to anyone who does not feel comfortable riding out the storm in their own home or who has left their coastal residence seeking shelter.
Mel Powers, the county emergency services coordinator, said he and his staff are continuing to monitor the storm's movements and are in constant contact with state emergency management officials and the National Weather Service.
Powers said county residents should review their personal storm preparedness kits and secure buildings and other items that could be damaged or blown about by strong winds.
He also reminded people to make arrangements to protect their pets.
Residents should have enough supplies on hand for 72 hours, Power said.
Powers said members of the county's emergency committee will meet again at 2 p.m. today to reconsider its plans for dealing with the potential storm and its aftermath.