Red Cross shelter open in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Despite a high wind warning, in effect until Tuesday morning, Northampton businesses were busy as many prepared ahead of the storm.  

Red Cross volunteers expect a number of people to check in at the  Smith Vocational on 80 Locust Street. Last night, the  Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Red Cross opened the regional shelter as a precaution. 

“We set up 48 cots right now we have about nine individuals that are here. And we have a capacity of several hundred, we can expand into other areas of the building and to actually another building if need be,” said Shelter Manager, Ellen Pataschmick. 

Jeffrey Bubar lives in the city and was one of the first to check in Monday morning.  "Last year with the disaster I had to call 911 to find out if this was open because it was getting cold in the apartment. This year we are prepared for Sandy, last year we got caught with a Halloween surprise,” said Bubar in Northampton, where town offices closed at noon. 

For non-emergency calls regarding shelter hours and non-emergency assistance call 2-1-1.

As of 3:30PM Monday, reports of power outages were confirmed by National Grid & WMECO.    WMECO reported 14 outages in Amherst and 56 in Pelham.  

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's power outage safety tips, recommends you set your fridge and freezer to the coolest setting; in the case of an outage.  Food can be maintained for 24 hours in the fridge and 48 hours in the freezer.

The Northampton Parents Center announce it will close.  The PVTA stopped running bus routes at 1pm.