Subscribe free to our daily email newsletterAll About The Emergency Shelter at RMHS
Feb 7, 2010 18:17 - 8 Comments
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Our local Richard Montgomery High School has been set up as a Montgomery County emergency shelter for those experiencing power outages. Curious, I walked over to learn what it would be like to stay at the high school.
With electricity still out for approximately 50,000 Montgomery County residents and temperatures expected in the teens tonight, the shelter will provide warmth and food for those suffering without electricity. All the volunteers and staff created a very welcoming atmosphere. This makeshift facility is providing top notch services. Nurses were available along with an officer from the Sheriff’s department who’ll make sure everyone stays safe.
Anthony Holmes, an American Red Cross volunteer, was on hand to answer questions. He’s a volunteer with our local Red Cross Disaster Team. When he heard they needed volunteers in the DC area this weekend, he signed up to help. Last night at 11 PM as he huddled under a blanket without electricity in his own home, he received the call to volunteer. He immediately told them to send a vehicle over to pick him up.
Cots are set up in the gym and the 21 people who stayed there last night had plenty of room. Families are allowed to stay together. The Red Cross supplies their signature red blankets to everyone. Heater Meals, which require wrapping an individual heater pack around liquid and food packets, are available for on the spot meals. Steam rises from the packs during the fast 10 minute cooking process. M&M’s and peanut butter are included in the Meals. Hot tea and coffee are brewed throughout the day.
This morning the IHOP in Ritchie Center sent over 30 meals which included eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon for everybody, along with a big bottle of syrup. Remember to thank IHOP for this community service the next time you stop by for a meal.
Some people with medical needs have been transported to the shelter by ambulance and the National Guard. If you don’t have heat, go to the shelter. If you are wondering about whether you should go before the roads freeze up tonight, don’t worry. They pulled out a T.V. and everyone will be able to watch the Superbowl.
In addition to the shelter at RMHS, at 4 PM today Montgomery County opened two more: (1.) at Schweinhaut Ctr, 1000 Forest Glen in Silver Spring and (2.) Longwood Ctr, 19300 Georgia Ave, in Brookville/Olney.
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This is such an excellent post. We are all pulling together, that’s when true community comes out!
My elderly parents were taken there last night. (I’m so grateful!)Does anyone know how I can contact them while they’re there, please?
I would start with the Red Cross. They are managing the shelter. Here is the listing of the local phone numbers:http://www.redcrossnca.org/index.php/contact-us.html
My parents and sister spent last night at the RMHS shelter after 2 days at home without heat or power. Here’s the voicemail from my 86yo mother: “spending the night in the shelter was absolutely marvelous, one of the greatest experiences of my life…I met the most wonderful people…” So THANK YOU to the emergency workers for helping (saving!) my family! You rock!Where can I send my donations?
Update from a Montgomery County Government: Press Release:”County Consolidates Shelter Operations at Richard Montgomery High School for Residents Affected by Power Outages Montgomery County officials announced that overnight shelter operations will be consolidated at Richard Montgomery High School in order to provide a range of amenities for residents seeking shelter. The shelter at the Longwood Recreation Center in the Olney/Brookeville area will close at 5 p.m. today and the shelter at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center in Silver Spring will close Tuesday morning. “As power is being restored to more parts of the community we want to make sure that residents seeking shelter have shower facilities, as well as other amenities,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “We continue to monitor the need and are working with our utilities to bring power back to those affected by the outages.”Individuals planning to go to the shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies that they require. No pets are allowed at shelters except for registered service animals. Richard Montgomery High School is located at 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville.”
Celeste, the Red Cross takes donations! I agree with your mom. When I visited, I wound up talking for quite a while. Everyone was very friendly.
Update on Shelter Locations from the Montgomery County Government: –Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Dr. in Rockville, remains open. Transport to the center is being handled by volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles and by Maryland National Guard members. –Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Rd., Silver Spring– Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Dr., Germantown.
As of late today, fewer than 1,000 PEPCO customers are without power in Montgomery County. The County will continue its assistance to PEPCO until power is restored to all customers. Residents should call 1-877-737-2662 to report any outages. The County has now consolidated its shelter operations at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockfille. The shelters at Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center and Seneca Valley High School were closed as of 4 p.m. today.