Unity Presbyterian Filled at Capacity Minutes After Opening
As you’re watching this it is likely that Hurricane Earl is just about ready to make landfall and we’re already experiencing heavy winds and torrential rains. As you’re heard by now that’s expected to continue into Thursday morning as the storm moves inland. It is our hope that Belizeans, especially those in the very flood prone areas of the south side are safe in the shelters which were opened early this morning. One such shelter is Unity Presbyterian in the city, serving low-lying areas in the Antelope Street extension. When we stopped in this morning it was already full to capacity, just an hour after it opened.
Shelter Warden
“We opened at around eight-thirty this morning and we were her from eight but we start take in people at about eight-thirty. So at this moment we were provided with seven classrooms and up to this moment, the seven classrooms have already been filled with thirty people per classroom.”
Mike Rudon
“Give us an idea of what is expected from people who come into these shelters?
Shelter Warden
“I will have to try to explain best to them that we are already occupied with the capacity that was given to us and they will have to try and locate another shelter because we do not want to overload the place and we already have a capacity that was given to us.”
Mike Rudon
“Give us an idea of the guidelines of what people are required to bring when they come into the shelters and what are the rules of the shelter?”
Shelter Warden
“Well the rules so far are no pets, no alcohol, no liquor, no drugs, no weapon and stuff like that. That is the basic rules. Just ask people to use their discretion and know how to conduct themselves when they occupy the rooms.”
Mike Rudon
“What are people suppose to bring with them, I know generally they say you are suppose to bring three days of food but I know generally that doesn’t happen…”
Shelter Warden
“Yeah, that normally doesn’t happen, hopefully with the help of Red Cross, maybe they bring food that they can help while they are at the shelter, and if they could bring their own goods it will be good as well. Because you can’t promise anything, it is best you prepare yourself and your family and bring your food and stuff. Bring maybe a sheet and a blanket, nothing big because the room is already small, and you can’t bring mattress and stuff that will take up too much space in the room so everybody can be comfortable.”
Mike Rudon
“Do you have any concerns about security at this time?”
Shelter Warden
“Well security, police officers and B.D.F. are suppose to come assist us, according to Ms. Moody said that they should be here the latest 4 o’clock. So the earlier they can get here it will be better. Because they will help us command the area so the sooner they could get here the better.”
