FILE – A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains, Feb. 6, 2023. West Virginia’s water utility says it’s taking precautionary steps following the derailment of a train hauling chemicals that later sent up a toxic plume in Ohio. The utility said in a statement on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2023 that it has enhanced its treatment processes even though there hasn’t been a change in raw water at its Ohio River intake. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, file)
Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published February 27, 2023 10:38 A.M.
(East Palestine, Ohio) East Palestine, Ohio is just across the border of Pennsylvania, and the one entry point located off Route 51, Taggart Road in Chippewa Township is closed to trucks as of Friday afternoon, according to a police official. The February 3, 2023 Norfolk and Southern train derailment and the explosion that followed brought great concerns to the public. Evacuation was ordered and some hesitated, but eventually the evacuation order was abided by all residences.
The Red Cross came in and set up a shelter at the high school on Saturday, February 4, 2023. The shelter remained open until February 9, 2023 when the evacuation orders were lifted. officials said they coordinated closely with local emergency management officials and they reported,” We stand ready if additional support is need One of the Red Cross’s goals that was mentioned they ensure people that they have a safe place to stay, it’s a critical part of their mission
The spokesperson explained that the Red Cross works closely. with emergency management officials to develop plans and during emergencies we continuously coordinate relief services with emergency management. as events occur.
The Salvation Army provided 7,000 cases of bottled water, cleaning and hygiene products, food vouchers, and an assortment of household products.. Captain Angelica Spence said a clinic was set up at the First Church of Christ in Salem, Ohio, and vital signs were checked on those that came to the clinic, and assistance with resident’s prescriptions. Captain Spence said , along with their volunteers, 4 or 5 came from Pennsylvania to assist. with their group
