UNION -- Monroe County officials and representatives from several county entities met on Sunday in Union for the purpose of holding a briefing on the recent storm that passed through the county and to address the needs of county residents from damage caused by the storm. Representatives from the following entities were represented; Monroe County Office of Emergency Services, Monroe County Commission, Monroe Health Center, Union Volunteer Fire Department, Monroe Board of Health and the Town of Union.
As of this meeting, it was reported that Appalachian Power has 1,778 customers in Monroe County without power and MonPower has 2,731 customers with no power. Both companies reported to county officials that they are working diligently to get power restored in the affected areas.
Tim Wilson, Acting Director of Emergency Services said the 911 Center is operational on back-up power and they have been taking calls for assistance since the storm. Wilson said he receiving regular updates from Appalachian Power and MonPower concerning the power outage.
Caroline Sparks reported the Town of Union is using a generator to operate their water and sewer system and they are providing water their customers like normal. She also reported that bulk water is available to anyone, whether you live in the town limits or not, at the Union Town Hall. Sparks said the system is coin operated and one must purchase a minimum of 100 gallons. The 100-gallon minimum is not a minimum amount set by town officials; it is a requirement of the specific water system. Those needing bulk water will need to bring a large container, as the system doesn't work with gallon jugs or small bottles.
Officials report that bottled water and ice is also available at the 911 Center in Union from daylight to sundown.
Julie Mundell, representing the Monroe Health Center said the Health Center in Union will be open on Monday from 8:00 am till 11:00 am only for those needing urgent care. Mundell reported that the Health Center's Peterstown site will be open regular hours if someone needs care and can't get to the Union site during the specific hours.
Two cooling stations have been established in the county. One is at the Union Senior Center and the other one is at the Lindside Senior Center. These cooling stations will allow those without power to get some relief from the heat. Both of these stations will be open from 11:30 am till 7:30 pm daily.
Those with emergencies need to call 911. Questions and requests for non-emergency assistance should call the 911 Center at 772-3912.
Officials are asking that residents of the county check on their neighbors to make sure they are okay or to see if they have any needs.
Monroe officials want to assure everyone that they are working hard to meet the needs of the residents of the county and those who have particular need to please call the number listed above.
