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Update on Emergency Shelter Locations

  • Writer: Annie Dance
    Annie Dance
  • Jan 23
  • 2 min read

County officials have released updated details on emergency shelter operations ahead of the approaching winter storm, urging residents to seek shelter early if they anticipate losing power or heat.


Two emergency shelters will open Saturday, Jan. 24 at 12 p.m. (noon). Officials warn that roads may quickly become icy and unsafe once the storm begins, making early travel critical.


Shelter Locations

General Public Shelter (open to everyone):

  • Forest City Dunbar Elementary School286 Learning Way Drive, Forest City

Medical / Power-Dependent Shelter (restricted use):

  • Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church252 N. Washington Street, RutherfordtonThis shelter is reserved exclusively for individuals who require electricity for medical equipment, medications, or treatments.

County emergency management officials emphasize that residents who rely on medical devices or temperature-sensitive medications should not wait until conditions worsen to relocate.


Call for Volunteers

CERT Program Manager Rick Austin reiterated the county’s need for volunteers to assist with shelter operations. 


“The Rutherford County Emergency Manager has reached out to me, looking for volunteers to help work at shelters that have been set up,” Austin said. “If you need shelter or would like to help, shelters will be located at the First Presbyterian Church in Rutherfordton and at Forest City Dunbar Elementary School.”


Austin added that Department of Social Services staff are expected to begin preparations around 10 a.m. Saturday, ahead of the noon opening. “Our goal is to open them before the storm hits so people can get to them if they feel the need,” he said.


Residents interested in volunteering are asked to contact Rutherford County Emergency Management Director Frankie Hamrick at (828) 447-4014. 


As always, if you have a true emergency, call 911. Contact your utility company about power outages.


Prepare Now

Emergency officials continue to urge residents to prepare for the possibility of prolonged power outages, downed trees, and hazardous travel conditions. Those who believe they may need shelter are strongly encouraged to arrive early, while roads remain passable.

County updates will continue as conditions develop. Officials ask that residents sign up for Alert Rutherford. 

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