Emergency Shelter Ready at Eastern Tech

Just one person had checked into the emergency shelter at as of 2 p.m. on Saturday.

But the 30 or so shelter workers and volunteers said they expected much more activity once Hurricane Irene fully hits the region later in the day.

“The sooner the people can get here, the better,” said Dorian Clark, shelter commander with Baltimore County Department of Social Services. “If you are in a low-lying area, are vulnerable and/or require electricity for health or other concerns and have no other place to go, (you) should come here.”

Along with the Department of Social Services, those stationed at Eastern Tech include members of the Salvation Army, the Red Cross and the Baltimore County Department of Animal Control.

The Salvation Army is set up in the school’s cafeteria and is ready to serve meals to anyone at the shelter. The Red Cross is providing cots and toiletries. Animal Control is ready to take care of pets.

“We’re in wait-and-see mode right now,” said Peggy Vick, director of social services for the Salvation Army in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. “We fully expect more people to come out later tonight as people lose power and grow concerned about when they might get it back.”

Maj. Barry Corbitt, the Baltimore area commander for the Salvation Army, said the Salvation Army's mission at the shelter and throughout the region is likely to change depending on the damage caused by Irene.

“We will feed people as long as we are needed,” Corbitt said. “There will obviously be a lot of re-assessment along the way once the storm passes.”

Darlene Connors, a shelter attendant with the Baltimore County Department of Animal Control, said she is ready to handle all kinds of pets. There are already cages set out for dogs and cats in the air-conditioned construction room.

In addition, the shelter is able to take in small animals, such as rabbits and even snakes—as long as they come in their own aquarium.

“We have food and water here for your pets,” Connors said. “Please make sure to bring any medication ... or special food that your pet may need as we only have the basics here.”

Clark, the shelter commander, said those stationed at Eastern Tech are prepared to handle any situation as most of the workers participated in a .

Eastern Tech is also equipped with a backup generator in case the school loses power. A trailer from FEMA is filled with a variety of supplies as well.

“This is what we trained for,” Clark said. “Now we’re ready for the real thing.”

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