Gilmer Free Press

Gilmer County Emergency Services Report – 07.03.12

Tuesday, July 03, 2012, 3:00 PM: The Gilmer County Emergency Services, Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department, State and County Law Officials; all hard at work dealing with assisting Gilmer citizen needing help as well as monitoring the emergency situation caused by the recent storm; along with interested citizens at the GCVFD Station 1 and Gilmer County Recreation Center were awaiting the arrival of the WV Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.

In a meeting the Gilmer County Commissioner Darrell Ramsey reported the Governor was not able to get to Gilmer County because of the bad weather called for by the National Weather Service at the scheduled time, but will be in Gilmer County the following day, July 04, 2012.

Commissioner Ramsey thanked West Virginia Delegate Boggs for coming out and showing concern for the welfare of people of Gilmer and Braxton counties during this disaster.

Commissioner Ramsey requested the National Guard be sent out to Gilmer County and Delegate Boggs said he spoke with the Governor’s office about the request.

Delegate Boggs commended everyone for doing a great job.  He said he is trying to get the National Guard in.

Delegate Boggs also spoke with Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway, WV about getting food and ice into the area.

He said there was also a need to convince people to come in to shelters instead of trying to tough it out at home as West Virginia people are known to try to survive without help.

Commissioner Ramsey reported that the Red Cross will be set up at the recreation center on Wednesday to assist the Fire Department.

Delegate Boggs showed appreciation for law enforcement and emergency services for the job they did during this emergency.

Suzie Kirkpatrick, the Gilmer County OES Director suggested the National Guard be sent up to some of the hollows with the fire department to deliver water to the needy.  Boggs said he would look into it.

Kirkpatrick reported that three (3) tractor trailers of water and some ice have been delivered to Gilmer County, but more ice was needed.

She also reported that the GSC Athletic Director, Janet Bailey and Gilmer County firemen bagged some ice the previous night to be used by those who really needed ice for medical reasons.

Delegate Boggs recommended people throw away all their food to prevent food borne illnesses.

Commissioner Ramsey said the commission is paying for removal of bad food for people to dispose by providing dumpsters.

Jack Heater, the GCOES Assistant Director and from Gilmer county Health Department said if the refrigerator is above 45 degrees, all perishable food must be thrown out. He said if the freezer items still have ice crystals on them they can been refrozen. Otherwise they are bad.

Martin Hess from GCVFD announced the Gilmer County IS NOT UNDER WATER BOIL ADVISORY by providing the official documents to the press.

Hess also noted the FCI-Gilmer has offered their help if needed. He mentioned Ike Morris also has offered their generators if they are not in use to be used for emergency needs.

Commissioner Ramsey reported 58% of Gilmer County is still without power, but the county is 2 to 3 days ahead of other counties.

Delegate Boggs reported Glenville was able to supply fuel earlier than most counties.

Finally, the time of Governor’s arrival to Gilmer County on Wednesday was unknown at this time and officials said they will announce to public as soon as they find out.