You Ask, Patch Answers: Hurricane Shelters in NK
Why does North Kingstown not have a shelter during Hurricane Sandy?
The Town of North Kingstown is recommending that residents in coastal areas and abutting freshwater bodies evacuate. But, without a shelter in town, where are resident to go? And why is there no shelter in North Kingstown? According to Town Manager Michael Embury, the answer comes down to limited resources.
"Just like all of us, the Red Cross has limited resources to support individual shelters in every community and they have moved to regional shelters," said Embury.
North Kingstown, Narragansett and South Kingstown are using South Kingstown High School as a regional shelter. (Chariho High School in Charlestown is also a regional shelter.)
In the past, Wickford Middle School has been NK's go-to shelter. According to Embury, WMS is not able to support the more difficult medical cases if/when they arrive.
Another big factor is the lack of turnout at these shelters, said Embury.
"In the past, when we have opened the shelter, few if any individuals make use of the shelter," said Embury. "Overall, the lack of residents who make use of the shelters has not justified the opening of 39 individual shelters."
Follow Hurricane Sandy and the latest North Kingstown news with our 'Cane Blog.
travelingran
2:56 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Is anyone taking care of people in homes for the handicapped? My brother is in N. Kingstown, and he doesn't have a clue what to do. He's on Dayton Ct in a complex behind the fire and police station. I believe he is in a low area where water can be an issue. I am in Florida, and don't know what to do if he's in trouble. I heard a lot of power is out. Does anyone know if the power is on or not in the area I'm speaking of off of Post Rd?
Samantha Turner
3:45 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
https://www1.nationalgridus.com/PowerOutageMap-RI-RES
Here's an outage map from National Grid. Hope this helps.
Lori Grayson
4:16 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Regarding if anyone is taking care of the handicapped, according to the governor's address yesterday some group homes have been evacuated. Your brother lives right near Wilson's park which would be considered Wickford however according to the map it seems people lost power a bit south from there. You should keep in telephone contact / skype with him today, just to make sure. If it is any consolation, the police station is right near him.
Reality
4:34 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Nice Mr. Embry again "lack of resources" so again public saftey is lacking what a surprise. Resources are better used to pay attorneys. Let's see how the "lack of resources" repairs Wickford after this terrible storm's damages.
Politics Sheriff of NK
5:01 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Reality, Mike Embury is our top public safety official and we are in the midst of a real bad storm. Lets be on one team just until this one is over. People could need that about now. ALL THE REST OF YOU, THIS IS THE POLITICAL SHERIFF OF NK, REMAIN CALM. LISTEN TO OFFICIAL ADVISORIES, AND DO AS OFFICIALS ADVISE!
melissa
7:59 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
You do not need the Red Cross to open a shelter, in the past the NKSD custodians would have been in their schools throughout the storm whether or not any one needed to use the building.