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Korean students, from left, Young In Kim, Eunha Kang and Seong Kyong Eom, walk in light snow on UMW's campus.
Derrick Carr of the Stafford County parks and recreation department puts up a sign for the Red Cross shelter |
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
Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com
The Culpeper County Department of Emergency Services will open an emergency shelter in the Town of Culpeper at St. Stephens Episcopal Church on North East Street.
Another shelter, manned by the Red Cross, is open at the Salem Volunteer Fire Company on Sperryville Pike.
King George County is making preparations to open an emergency shelter, if needed. It will be at the Citizens Center at 8076 Kings Highway, located next to Fire and Rescue Company 1. Residents without power or heat are encouraged to use the shelter. No guns or pets (except service animals) are allowed in the shelter. King George County will make arrangements for pet sheltering, as needed. Adults will need a form of ID and should bring prescription medications, personal care items, snacks, and any medical devices. Infants and children need extra items to include toys and any specialized food/formula. Call 540/775-8950 or 540/775-2049 for more information.
Columbia Gas of Virginia is reminding customers to clear snow and ice from their natural gas meters.
The equipment is designed to withstand winter weather, but there's always the chance that hard-packed snow or ice could temporarily stop the flow of natural gas.
Customers are urged to make especially sure that the meter's vent is clear. People shouldn't kick or hit natural gas meters to break away snow or ice.
--Bill Freehling
