Tonight will be especially dangerous for those without power as the temperatures dip into the mid teens. According to Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox, all emergency services along with road crews and VEC are out in full force today working to clear roads and restore power to approximately 18,000 homes.  Sheriff Cox told us that most roads in the county should have at least one lane open but if anyone comes upon a road blocked they should contact the Sheriff’s Department or County Highway Department.  “The most critical challenge is to get to those who are on oxygen right now and have no electricity” the Sheriff said.  Currently, the Cumberland County Rescue Squad is attempting to get to everyone who needs medical attention in the county and provide the needed care or transport them to a shelter.

Over 150 people have sought refuge at the American Red Cross shelter behind K-mart in the Cumberland Fellowship Church. If you need transportation to the church call the Cumberland County Fire Department at 484-8448.  In Fairfield Glade the Fellowship Baptist Church of Fairfield Glade (12 Westminster Court) will be open beginning 4 PM today as a shelter.  An area will be available for small pets (food and crates appreciated). If you wish to spend the night, bring your own sleeping bag / bedding. No shower facilities are available, but hot showers are available at the FG Community Center. Chili will be served for dinner this evening, and warm beverages available. If you have food you’d like to share, bring it and we’ll be able to cook. For information contact “Stretch” at (205) 422-8929.

We have received hundreds of messages asking when power will be restored to certain areas of the county.  We don’t have an answer for that – crews are working everywhere to restore power based on their visuals and reports of outages to VEC.

Call  VEC to report your outage at 931-484-3527 or 1-800-431-7908.  It may take a while to get through but keep trying.   For any other assistance you may need call the Cumberland County Sheriffs Department 931-484-6176.  Sheriff Cox says he has added more personnel to handle the over flow of incoming calls and is trying to take some of the load off 911 Dispatch.  He asked that everyone only call 911 in case of an immediate emergency.

With over 680 square miles to cover in Cumberland County alone, it’s going to be some time before crews can reach every downed or broken power line.  Our advice it to count on your power to be out for several days and take whatever measures you can for a long-term power outage by obtaining alternate heat if possible, obtaining a generator if possible, going to stay with family or friends who do have power or going to one of the area shelters for the evening.  Also, please check with your neighbors, family and friends to see if they’re going to be OK or need help of any kind.   Many who do not have internet connectivity or do not have a smartphone with internet cannot receive the information we have been publishing on CNF – so please call anyone you know who cannot get the info and relay this important information to them.