Red Cross Sheltered More Than 50 Residents

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The Red Cross of Southeast Ohio played an important role after a natural gas leak forced an evacuation in Crooksvlle.

It happened Monday just after 8 p.m. Executive Director Marlene Henderson said two Red Cross staff members and several volunteers set up a shelter for more than 50 residents at Crooksville High School. A lot planning goes into an event like that so it goes off without a hitch.

“We have a lot of practice. And we have a lot of wonderful volunteers. We would not be able to do this without. We have 9 volunteers down there last night. They actually finished up at 5 o clock this morning,” said Henderson.

Henderson said in the event of an emergency it’s good to be proactive. Each person in your family should have an emergency kit.

“We highly recommend that everyone is prepared. If they have to leave the house to build a kit. Put your comfort things in there. You’re going to need your identification. You’re going to need your driver’s license. Bring a piece of your mail with you to show that you’re a resident in that community,” said Henderson.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the gas leak continues, but officials says a faulty valve in a production well caused the problem.