Hampton, Va., Adds Generators to Use in Emergency Shelters

(TNS) — Hampton is adding new generators for three facilities that serve as emergency shelters during storms.

The city was one of 11 municipalities to receive a grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to upgrade its emergency shelters. The funds will be used to purchase and install generators at West Hampton Community Center , Bethel High School and Tarrant Middle School .

“Having additional backup power will allow these facilities to better serve as emergency shelters in case of a power outage, which often accompanies disasters,” said Hui-Shan Walker , the city’s emergency management coordinator, in a news release. “This gives the city more options for sheltering residents, whether the flood or other disaster is localized to one area or more widespread throughout the city.”

VDEM will pay $416,771 for the generators. The city will use $104,471 of its own for the project and the school division will contribute $49,677.

The generator installed at West Hampton Community Center will provide power to the entire building. The other two new generators will work in partnership with existing generators.

Bethel High School has an existing generator that powers emergency lighting and some outlets. The new generator will provide power to the building’s air-conditioning system and the kitchen. The generator slated for installation at Tarrant Middle School will provide power to the gymnasium.

Jessica Nolte , 757-912-1675, jnolte@dailypress.com

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