A $45,000 Homeland Security grant will be used to update emergency shelters at Union Elementary School and Hobbton Middle School, according to assistant EMS director Jerry Cashwell.
Cashwell, who was instrumental in obtaining the grant, along with Anthony Vann, executive director of Auxiliary Services for Sampson County Schools, made the announcement to Board of Education members earlier in the week.
The assistant EMS director reported that much of the grant will be used to replace lighting, along with other upgrades to the two Sampson County shelters used in cases of emergency.
Vann said he was pleased with the news.
“We are very excited about getting this money,” he said. “Jerry had told us that he was going to request it because we just didn’t have the extra money available to meet the needs we have there. The Emergency Management folks have been incredible and worked hard to help us.”
The shelters are used as shelters during natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes, Vann noted.
“We need upgrades to both schools,” he admitted. “We have to get another emergency generator for each school, as well as additional lighting for both shelter areas.”
Board of Education members said they appreciated the efforts of Cashwell and Vann.
“We just thank you both for working hard on getting this,” said board chairman G.H. Wilson. “This is going to be something that will really help.”
Work should begin later this summer and be completed by October, noted Vann.
“The Sampson County School system is just really pleased and excited about the news of us getting this grant,” he said. “This is something that is a big benefit to the communities in those areas. No one will have any issues with going to one of the shelters and feeling safe.”
To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.
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