Editor, Gazette-Journal:

A recent article in the Gazette-Journal reported on efforts to fund a new emergency shelter for Mathews. There have been discussions regarding the inadequacy of the current shelter for many years. The Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad takes no position on discussions regarding making the new YMCA building an emergency shelter, but does have a major interest in providing for those in need of medical assistance in case of emergencies, especially if an evacuation is ordered.

Since the county does not have a shelter with adequate facilities, in case of evacuation, anyone in the county who is bedridden, cannot be housed by family or cannot get in a car for various reasons, and wants to evacuate must now be transported by the rescue squad to the infirmary at the Saluda Correctional Facility.

That facility will take a very limited number of patients, so long as that person is accompanied by a caretaker. A full crew from the rescue squad will be required to transport t...