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Red Cross prepares emergency shelter Date published: 2/6/2010
BY JEFF BRANSCOME Three American Red Cross volunteers waited yesterday afternoon at Stafford High School. They waited for people without electricity. People stranded in their cars. People with medical needs. "My suspicion is we won't see people until after midnight," said volunteer Marty Catanese. Stafford and North Stafford high schools have served as emergency shelters since noon yesterday. During the afternoon, volunteers and two ham radio operators at Stafford High had the place to themselves. Snow was falling, but it wasn't sticking. But that didn't last long. By nightfall, roads were snow-covered, visibility was reduced and state officials had urged residents not to drive. By early evening, more than 3,400 customers in Stafford County were without electricity, according to the Virginia Dominion Power Web site. With forecasts calling for up to 30 inches of snow in the Fredericksburg area, the Red Cross volunteers were prepared for a long weekend. "We're here as long as the need's there," said volunteer Kay Karstaedt. She estimated they could accommodate up to 100 people in the school's cafeteria. Stafford High has 35 sleeping pads, 24 cots and--in a first for the county--six kennels for pets. "When people have to leave their companion pets at home, it really upsets them," said county spokeswoman Cathy Riddle. Also, the county's parks and recreation department brought games to occupy children. "If the kids drive us crazy, we're going to send them over to the gym," Karstaedt said. As of yesterday evening, Dominion Virginia Power and the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative hadn't reported any power outages. Dominion spokeswoman LeHa Anderson said she expected them because the forecast called for wind and heavy, wet snow. "We're bracing for them, and we're prepared if we do have them," she said. The company sent additional crews to Northern Virginia but not to the Fredericksburg area. Ann Lewis, spokeswoman for the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, encouraged residents to report outages. "Don't assume someone else is going to call," she said. The National Weather Service yesterday was predicting 14 to 20 inches of nighttime accumulation and 4 to 9 inches today in Fredericksburg. Karstaedt, the Red Cross volunteer at Stafford High, said yesterday she expected the shelter to begin to fill late last night. Until then, more waiting. "We're just sitting here reading and quilting and waiting," she said. Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Date published: 2/6/2010
A lot of people assume that if their electricity goes out, the electric company knows. They don't. Call them up and report an outage if you haven't already. It'll make your recovery time much shorter ^_^
this is probably a shot in the dark but I live near the velero and I was just wondering if anyone knows about when they will be getting our lights back on? been out since 1030 or so and I have phnamonia and a stomach virus of some sort but I also have 2 dogs so me and my husband are unable 2 go 2 a shelter
The regulators on natural gas meters and on propane tanks have vents. These vents allow pressure increases to be safely vented to the atmosphere. It the vents are blocked by snow/ice, excess pressure could build up and lead to a rupture of the gas line and explosion.
That said, you should also make sure your exhaust flue/vent is not obstructed.
I'm not sure a gas meter has a vent. Do you mean the intake and exahust of the gas furnace?
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