WINTER STORM INGA UPDATE
Posted January 18, 2018
As you know North Carolina was hit hard by winter storm Inga, and Chatham County received the highest total snowfall in the state where power is out to over 6000 residences. Road conditions are extremely poor as every road is icy and all daytime melt will quickly refreeze to glare ice. Our area of the state is still focused on clearing state maintained highways so secondary roads may not be plowed for upwards of 3 to 5 days. North Carolina is second only to Texas in the number and miles of highway maintained by the state.
Five of our staff sheltered here with me to ensure we could respond whatever the storm brought their way and care for the cats. At this time we have power, are operational, but are closed to the public. We are completely snowed in as Chatham County received over a 1′ of snow. If anyone with a plow can safely get to the six of us at any point today or as soon as possible we would ever so grateful. Every area of the refuge including Alton Alston Road, Goathouse Drive, our parking, the driveway beyond the gate leading to staff parking, garbage dumpsters, the adoption center, my home/gallery/public space are all covered with a foot of snow. Just getting from building to building to care for the cats and move supplies is a significant challenge.
The Adoption Center, water, gas heat, electricity and the back up generator are functioning. At my facility water, electricity, phone and gas heat are working, however the back up generator is NOT WORKING. The living quarters are adequately heated with a large wood burning stove, and the lower levels have gas heat. Power outages are still possible as the 6-8+ inches of snow in the trees can bring down trees, large branches and power lines. If the power goes out at my facility will be without power or water including the toilets or shower for everyone sheltering on site. In my home I also cares for all of the, permanent resident, geriatric, special needs cats and I foster a number of cats also. If anyone can safely get to us the refuge to fix the back up generator, that would be greatly appreciated.
At this time please limit calls and inquiries as we are functioning at a lower staff level and without office staff. We are also not answering emails or processing forms as our office is closed and will likely remain so for up to the next 3 to 5 days. Upon our office reopening please expect delays in responding while we catch up. Thank you for your patience. Please stay safe, bring pets indoors and check on your neighbors, especially seniors. Thank you to everyone for your concern, love, caring and support.
Siglinda Scarpa
