THE SHELTERS SHALL ONLY BE ACTIVATED IF A CRITICAL COMPONENT(S) OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM FAILS, SUCH AS ELECTRIC POWER AT ANY TIME OF YEAR, LACK OF NATURAL GAS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, AND ANY OTHER NATURAL OR MAN-MADE DISASTER WHEREBY EVACUATION IS NECESSARY.
Outside of an evacuation situation necessitating the immediate opening of the shelter, it will typically not be available for use unless and until an outage has exceeded 24 hours from the time the disruption occurred. It is therefore critical that everyone actively assumes a responsibility for themselves, their families, neighbors, friends, business associates, etc. There is virtually no reason why most people would be incapable of providing for themselves for a minimum of 72 hours. REMEMBER TO EXHAUST EVERY RESOURCE PRIOR TO UTILIZING THE SHELTER, which includes taking up residence in an area outside of the confines of the community in a hotel or staying with relatives outside the city who may be unaffected by our crisis.
If you do elect to take refuge in the shelter, take an active role in participating by bringing along a variety of necessities. Remember, this won’t be anything like the comfort of your own home. Be willing to step forward, pitch in, and lend a hand if necessary. This is what COMMUNITY is really all about!
Pets are not permitted in our designated shelter(s) unless they are a bona-fide integral part of our vision-impaired residents’ needs. Washtenaw County has a mutual aid agreement with the Humane Society, so please call and make arrangements for your pet care prior to taking refuge in a shelter.