Colts Neck High School Opens its Doors to Evacuees

With hurricane Irene making its way towards the Jersey shore, thousands of residents are taking refuge in the many shelters being set up across the state. Several of the shelters have reached full capacity, calling for more emergency locations to open and accept New Jersey residents. One such newly opened shelter is at Colts Neck High School.

Operated by a team of volunteers and managed by experienced volunteer Diana Noble, this shelter is running at full force to accommodate as many people as it can.

With 250 cots set up in the school’s gymnasium, the shelter is equipped to provide one blanket per person. If you plan on seeking refuge here, they are asking that residents bring their own pillows, toiletries, medications, snacks, and any other items needed. The American Red Cross has provided meals for guests and the township OEM, along with the Visiting Nurses of Central New Jersey, are doing their best to provide medical care.

While there’s no way to know exactly how many residents they’ll house at the shelter tonight, the numbers are continuing to grow as the hurricane gets closer. One such Asbury Park resident arrived at this shelter earlier today with her six children, to avoid the dangerous winds and flooding in her area.

“I don’t like it, I’m scared and I’m nervous,” Tasha McLean said about the storm.

With other family members refusing to evacuate, she is worried about her family and hoping for the best. Each child brought a bag of possessions with them, such as coloring books, blankets and pillows.

“This is my first time being evacuated, and it’s scary because you really don’t know what’s going to happen. And you don’t know who’s going to sleep around you. It’s just me and my six kids,” said McLean.

James Byrnes, the buildings and grounds director of the high school, explained how the shelter is set up to accommodate those with children. Using rooms with media equipment to play movies, and another adult area playing storm information, guests are given access to televisions and other media players.

Byrnes was also coordinating with Noble to begin serving food to the residents in the high school cafeteria. Other school staff members were helping to set up cots and tables throughout the shelter.

Charlene, another volunteer helping to run this shelter, explained how the visiting nurses are prepared to offer medical care to those who need it, as well as care kits with some toiletries.

Additionally, a pharmacist and a doctor are on location at the shelter for emergency situations. Nurses are able to evaluate the medical needs of residents as they come in.

“So we can place them in a place that’s appropriate for their needs,” explains Charlene. “We have one person here who has asthma and they need to have a nebulizer next to an outlet, so we can place their cots next to an outlet so they have access to that.”

With only one doctor in the vicinity, those with extreme medical needs should consider going to Centre State Medical Center for the night.

People are urged to bring all medications and supplies they may need, such as toiletries, pillows, blankets and snacks. If you are interested in helping or donating supplies, please contact the American Red Cross at 732-493-9100. Do not risk walking or driving outside during this storm.