By: Grace Dumas, News of the North
The emergency shelter at Centennial Hall closed this morning after days of continuous operation during the avalanche and evacuation advisories, with city officials and relief organizations offering thanks to the staff and volunteers who provided round-the-clock support for more than 50 displaced residents.
The shelter was opened last Friday as a precaution for the elevated avalanche risk, and volunteers and staff worked hard to create a safe place to stay for community members affected by evacuation advisories. Operations were supported through a partnership between the City and Borough of Juneau, the American Red Cross of Alaska, Juneau Arts and Humanities, and numerous volunteers.
“The Red Cross is the sheltering partner for this disaster,” said Britta Tonnessen, community disaster program manager with the American Red Cross of Alaska in a statement release on social media by CBJ, they were also able to accommodate pets through collaboration with Juneau Animal Rescue.
The shelter remained open 24 hours a day throughout the advisory period, staffed by volunteers and professionals who coordinated meals, sleeping arrangements and general care for the community..
“We’re continuing to actively monitor the avalanche risk and all the slide pass in close partnership with the DOT.” Said emergency Manager for CBJ, Ryan O’Shaughnessy, “Right now, we believe that the risk is acceptable for folks to return to their homes.”
Information about ongoing avalanche conditions and emergency preparedness remains available through the City and Borough of Juneau
