The Red Cross has opened a shelter at the First Baptist Church on West Main Street in Salem for those who need a place to stay or have a meal while dealing with damage to their homes from the flooding rains Friday night. Those who need anything can go directly to the church for assistance.
The Salem Emergency Management Agency has received notification from 17 people who have asked for assistance since starting a list of those wanting assistance on Saturday.
The City of Salem had to evacuate the Starlight Mobile Home Park due to the water in Town Creek reaching its highest level ever. Three residents of one home declined to leave earlier waited until they had to be rescued when the steps of their mobile home washed away. One woman fell into the water while trying to walk out and all three were eventually placed into a vehicle to get through the water. The ESDA vehicle then stalled in the four foot water. Salem Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Andrew Strong said all the mobile homes lost the skirting to close in the bottom of the mobile homes. He’s concerned some may have been moved slightly by the water and could be unsafe.
Salem Public Works Director Travis Sanders said for safety reasons, natural gas service will not be restored to the mobile home park until Monday at the earliest.
Strong says at least one other rescue was made successfully from a home. It was on West Boone north of College Street and occurred when fast rising waters from Town Creek were at the front steps of the residence.
