Updated
6:30pm 6/30/12
Widespread
power outages continue in large portions of Van Wert County. According to the
AEP website, outages are effecting over 500,000
customers in Ohio and service may not be restored in some areas for 5-7 days.
The
Van Wert chapter of the American Red Cross continues to operate an emergency
shelter at the Van Wert Middle School, 10708 SR118. Those who need assistance
should arrive at the shelter with their own medication, clothes, pillow and
blanket. Showers will be available and residents should bring their own soap,
towels and other hygiene items. Pets will not be permitted in the shelter. If
you have no other means to get to the shelter, contact the Van Wert Emergency
Management Agency 419-238-1300.
Main
transmission lines north of the city of Van Wert were damaged in the storm.
Power crews are working to reroute electricity with priority on restoring
service to health care facilities. At 5:15pm 6/30/12 the Van Wert County
Hospital had power restored.
Local
law enforcement encourages people to stay put and only travel when necessary. Do
not attempt to move any utility lines. Please remove debris to the curb area and
do not put debris in the streets.
Van
Wert County Health Dept has been making contact with subscribers to their Internet
service called "Saving Minutes". This service is a web based list of persons
in the Van Wert area that are a health risk in the event of some type of wide
spread emergency situation. Those who think they may qualify should enroll at
www.vanwertcountyhealth.org
Hugh
Saunier
Van Wert County Homeland Security
Public Information Officer
Van Wert, Ohio
