GASTON COUNTY TO OPEN EMERGENCY SHELTER AT CITIZENS RESOURCE CENTER IN DALLAS

DALLAS, N.C. – In anticipation of potentially widespread power outages from the ice predicted for our area from Winter Storm Fern, Gaston County is opening an emergency shelter for the community at the Citizens Resource Center, 1303 W. Dallas-Cherryville Highway, beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 24.

The shelter will remain open until at least noon on Monday, January 26, and county officials will continue to assess the sheltering need based on the conditions.

For those who may need to use the emergency shelter, here are some tips on what to bring:

• Medications & medical supplies
• Snacks and food for special dietary needs
• Toiletries and basic hygiene items
• Formula, diapers, wipes and baby care items (if necessary)
• Books, toys or small comfort items

The shelter will have cots and blankets for guests, along with food, some basic hygiene products and towels. Residents who have cats and dogs can bring them, but they will be housed in a trailer provided by Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement, and are not allowed inside the shelter proper.

Gaston County

Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) also recommends that for those who are on oxygen to try to bring containers with them, though if not possible, they can provide oxygen on site for those that need it.

The emergency shelter is in addition to the warming center for the county’s unhoused population, which is being operated 24/7 beginning Saturday through Tuesday morning, January 27, at Unity Baptist Church, 482 N. Myrtle School Road, in Gastonia.