MULDRAUGH, Ky. (WDRB) - Evacuees are getting help in the form of shelter, food, and even money.
Most residents choose to stay with family members or in a hotel. But many other displaced residents are taking advantage of Red Cross Shelters like the one at the old Muldraugh Elementary School.
(The shelter at Stuart Middle School in Louisville was to close at 8 p.m. Thursday, the Red Cross announced.)
It is a lot of sitting around and waiting -- waiting for news on when the evacuated West Point residents can return home.
For children who go to schools shut down due to the cleanup, it is not so bad, as the old school building has a gym. But many adults are out money, shelter, and even medicine. "I got one needle for today at 1 o'clock. And that's the last one I got," said Alberta Baldridge, a diabetic, spending the day at the school. "I'm just going to sit here today until my daughter gets off, she'll probably get a hotel tonight."
At noon, West Point residents had an hour to head home, grab medicine, and take care of pets. They will be welcome there, too. "We're going to set up a shelter for pets here alongside Muldraugh school," said West Point Mayor Billy Ash.
P & L Railway has set up shop at a VFW post on Blevins Gap Road. "We're going to be here from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until as long as necessary," said Bonnie Hackbarth, spokesperson for P & L.
They will reimburse evacuees for items such as food and lodging. "Bring in your receipts. Also you want to bring a photo ID," Hackbarth explained.
P and L will also reimburse lost wages for displaced workers, lost sales for employers in the evacuated area, and extra commuting expenses. Bring appropriate documents like proof of employment and housing.
"We also are giving people $100 per day per adult and $50 per day per child in an inconvenience payment," Hackbarth added.
It is good news for people like Cindy Rutledge, who owns a cafe in West Point. "The restaurant's been closed all week, I'm worried about my employees, worried about the food that I'm losing," said Rutledge.
For all in the area, the situation has been a hassle and headache. "It's very worrisome, and keeping the TV on constantly, and since that fire happened, I'm not sure if it's going to explode, and my mom's home is right by the railroad tracks," said Rutledge.
Residents in West Point and some in southwest Jefferson County will not be receiving their mail until further notice. Those in West Point can pick up their mail at the Muldraugh Post Office. Those in southwest Jefferson County can pick up at the PRP office.
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