BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Union County’s emergency management director said he is closely watching Tropical Storm Helene and will likely open the county’s sole shelter later in the week.
Tim Allen said at press time on Tuesday, September 24, that Union County High School serves as the county’s general population, pets, and special needs shelter.
“The shelter is on standby,” he said. “The sandbags are available year-round from the road department. We just ask that citizens call them before they go out because it’s usually self-service, so if they need someone to bag it for them, they must call first.”
The county’s road department is located near the RMC West unit.
Allen said the county anticipates opening the shelter unless Helene’s track shifts significantly to the west.
He said that the decision to open the shelter is based on projected wind speeds.
“Right now, we’re projected for strong tropical storm winds with gusts of Hurricane Cat 1, which is plenty for shelters,” he said. “Normally, if we get winds that are 60-plus miles an hour, we open. If there is a big track shift to the west, then we might not have to, but most likely, right now, we are going to open the shelter.”
