Rutherford County Seeks Volunteers Ahead of Severe Winter Storm

Rutherford County officials are calling for volunteers to assist at emergency shelters as a major winter storm approaches. Ice accumulation is expected to reach up to a half inch or more, and authorities warn the storm could have a more severe impact than Hurricane Helene.

Rick Austin, Rutherford County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program manager and founder of Prepper Camp, issued the following statement on behalf of local emergency officials: “The Rutherford Emergency Manager needs help at shelters during and after the storm. With ice predicted to be an inch or more, this coming storm may have a more devastating impact on Rutherford County than Hurricane Helene. Trees will fall, power lines will collapse, and people will be without power, water, and heat in what could be subzero temperatures following the storm," Austin told WCAB News. "Hopefully, you have your generators fueled, oil checked, water, food, and a heat source for your home." 

Officials urge residents to prepare for power outages, downed trees and power lines, and subzero temperatures. Generators, heating systems, water, and food should be checked and ready before the storm arrives.

"The Rutherford County Emergency Manager has reached out to me, looking for volunteers to help work at shelters that have been set up. If you need shelter or would like to help, shelters will be located at the First Presbyterian Church on N. Main St. in Rutherfordton and at Forrest Hunt Elementary School. Shelters will open at 12 noon on Saturday," Austin said. "DSS staff will start there probably around ten o’clock, preparing for this storm. Our goal is to open them before the storm hits so people can get to them if they feel the need. If you can help, please call Frankie Hamrick at (828) 447-4014.”

Social services staff and emergency management personnel are mandated under state law to operate emergency shelters. This is a critical opportunity for residents to assist their community and help keep shelters operational during the storm.