Emergency Shelter to Open Serving Martinsville and Henry County Residents

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – A local state of emergency has been declared for the City of Martinsville and Henry County as of noon today. Officials from Henry County and the City are working together in a joint effort to staff and equip an emergency shelter that will be opened today, (Saturday, February 6, 2010) at 2:00 p.m. at the Martinsville Middle School on Brown Street. Key information is as follows:

Anyone who has relatives with utility service are encouraged to stay with those relatives if at all possible as space and resources are limited at the shelter. Officials want to ensure that these resources are used for those who most need them.

Anyone wishing to use the shelter is strongly encouraged to make contact with officials before 9:00 p.m. this evening, as temperatures are expected to be well below freezing overnight making travel hazardous.

Anyone needing to use the shelter should call 403-5425. Callers will hear a brief message with general information about the shelter. You should then hit “0″ to speak with a live operator who can add your name to the list. Or, if you prefer you may leave a message after the tone.

Sorry, NO PETS ALLOWED

Items provided will include a cot to sleep on and restrooms with running water. THERE ARE NO SHOWER FACILITIES.

THOSE USING THE SHELTER SHOULD BRING WITH THEM ANY MEDICATIONS NEEDED, TOILETRY AND PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS, AND NON-PERISHABLE FOODS, AS NONE OF THESE ITEMS WILL BE PROVIDED.

Also, City and County officials welcome assistance from residents with four-wheel-drive vehicles who can assist with transportation to and from the shelter, if needed. If you would like to volunteer to provide this type of transportation, please call 403-5425 and speak with an operator who will add your name to a list of volunteers.

In addition, we strongly urge all residents, whether using the shelter or staying at home, to purchase any grocery items or essentials they may need as quickly as possible as there may be widespread power outages throughout the region until early next week.

Further information will be provided as it is possible.