Getting to Albert Leonard Middle School was, at times, a real test of ingenuity Tuesday, depending on whether the GPS in your car was working.
Downed trees lined the streets, and debris was scattered everywhere, the very real results from heavy winds and rain from then-Hurricane Sandy.
But things were orderly and well set up at the Red Cross shelter in the middle school located at 25 Gerada Ln. which had opened Sunday.
Shelter Manager Janice Lehman, from Greenville, SC, said as of Tuesday they shelter had 11 clients and eight staff members. The facility on Gerada Lane can accommodate up to 150 clients.
"We may possibly have others transfer here from other shelters," she said. As the number of clients decrease at other shelters, the Red Cross determines whether it is viable to keep those open.
Lehman said that the lights kept going on and off Monday around 6 p.m. but eventually stayed on.
It wouldn't have mattered, though, she said, because the shelter has a backup generator.
With the prospect of seven to 10 days before electricity is restored, the shelter may well be put to further use.
On Tuesday, people were stopping by Albert Leonard to avail themselves of a place to charge their phones and computers.
Snacks, beverages and hot meals were available, as were showers.
The shelter will remain open on a day-to-day basis.
As Westchester residents recover from the storm, the Red Cross suggests that residents check in on their neighbors to make sure they are OK. Additionally, the Red Cross urges residents to heed local emergency orders.
