FAYETTEVILLE (WVVA) - Over half of Fayette County is still without power Wednesday evening. Emergency workers are putting in extended hours and won't rest until they get clear answers from electric companies.
"[We're asking] do you have an estimated time of restoration on these homes, and what is the reason why, so we can give [residents] some kind of estimate on why they're still out of power," says Theresa White, Director of Emergency Services in Fayette County.
Still, some parts of the county might not have power restored until next week. Shelters are open at the old Gauley Bridge High School and the First Church of God. The church has its doors open around the clock for people in need of food and a warm place to stay. "There's showers for men and women, and we got cots and blankets, so anyone who needs to come in – we can take care of them," says Mike Parsons, Director of the Board of Trustees at First Church of God.
Those seeking refuge at the old Gauley Bridge High School are asked to bring their own food, but the shelter has means for you to cook it.
Other residents in this largely recreational area were well prepared and have been managing on their own since Monday. "I prepared extra fuel for my camp stove, canned goods just stored up over the years, rice, oatmeal, beans," says Matthew Hook, "I try to take care of myself."
Emergency officials recommend unplugging larger appliances before the power comes back on to avoid more problems. "There could be times when it comes on and goes off, comes on and goes off, and that people are careful for power surges because that's something that could happen as the lines get fused back up," says White.
Until that time comes though, those in Fayette County will keep depending on each other and weathering the storm.
