Disaster declared in Kootenai County; Red Cross opens shelter in Cd'A

From Sheriff Ben Wolfinger: The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners has issued a declaration of disaster due to the damage caused by the wind storm Tuesday night and continued loss of power impacting nearly 8,300 residents in the county. Utility companies are anticipating countywide power restoration within the next 3-8 days.

Avista Utilities and Kootenai Electric are working around the clock to restore services. According to Avista, “Over 2,000 residents have regained power in Kootenai County since yesterday."

The Kootenai County Emergency Operations Center’s information line will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (208) 446-2292

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at 10 a.m. for residents impacted by the power outages. The shelter is located at the Coeur d’Alene Bible Church, located at 5350 N. Fourth Street.

Due to limited space availability at the shelter, we encourage residents of Kootenai County to stay with friends or members of their family who may have power restored already. Please continue to check on your family and neighbors.

If you plan on using the shelter the Red Cross suggests that people bring:

? Pillows and blankets

? Personal medications

? Books or games to entertain children

? Clothes for several days

The Kootenai Humane Society has advised that they can shelter pets belonging to individuals that use the shelter. They do suggest that people with cats should leave them at home due to the additional stress on them.

Contact the Kootenai County EOC citizen inquiry line at 446-2292 for information regarding the shelter and available space.