UIU provides Red Cross emergency shelter
FAYETTE, IOWA (February 26, 2007) – A powerful winter storm blew through Fayette County over the weekend, leaving the town of Fayette and surrounding rural communities without electricity. For most, the power outage was temporary and service was restored the next day. Unfortunately, in other towns and counties nearby it may be days or even weeks before power is restored. 
Jerry Clark, branch manager of the Hawkeye-Fayette County Chapter of the Red Cross, called upon Upper Iowa University to be available as an emergency shelter for Fayette County residents. “We have had a long-standing agreement with Upper Iowa to use its facilities in time of emergency, if they are available,” said Clark. “Upper Iowa is not only centrally located within the county, it has great facilities and feeding capabilities, with the cafeteria being right on campus. It’s a win-win situation.”
Since the agreement between the Red Cross and Upper Iowa was signed over ten years ago, this is the first time the Red Cross has requested use of its facility. Fortunately, no citizens showed up at the shelter but Clark said he is sitting tight. “We are in limbo right now because another storm is predicted at the end of the week. We are doing everything we can do right now to help people out.”
Other Red Cross shelters available for storm victims are located at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and the Waverly Health Center in Bremer County. For more information about Red Cross assistance in Fayette County, call (319) 283-5008.