ROANOKE COUNTY, VA (June 30, 2012) — Roanoke County residents with no transportation and no medical conditions requiring treatment can receive van transportation to the Evacuation Shelter set up at the Roanoke Civic Center. Van transportation will be available from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. tonight, with transportation to the shelter continuing on Sunday, July 1 depending on public need.
Earlier today, Roanoke County along with the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, opened a Cooling Shelter at the Roanoke Civic Center. This evening the Roanoke Civic Center will serve as an Evacuation Shelter to offer overnight relief from the heat. Roanoke County residents with no medical conditions that require treatment coming to the Evacuation Shelter should bring any personal or special items needed such as medications, special diet items, glasses, formula, baby food and diapers.
The shelter is in the Special Events Center of the Roanoke Civic Center and citizens driving to the shelter are asked to park in Parking Lot E (along Orange Avenue close to 581 side of the Center).
Roanoke County residents with no medical issues requiring treatment who need a ride to the Evacuation Shelter are asked to call the Emergency Information Line at (540) 777-8798 to schedule transportation to the Roanoke Civic Center. Residents with health conditions being affected by the heat, or who are in need of medical treatment, are asked to call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
At this time, Roanoke County staff does not have an estimate as to when power may be restored to the affected County households. Operators on the line may be able to answer other questions about the Evacuation Shelter or the local situation, but residents are advised to contact American Electric Power toll-free at 1 (800) 956-4237 for questions about electrical service.
Preliminary damage reports indicate widespread downing of trees and power lines across the State of Virginia and almost 1 million people without power. Power outages have also affected local businesses, with many grocery stores, retail store and gas stations unable to operate without electricity.