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National Guard Hands Out Water

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Reporter: Shannon Houser

Water Delivered To Communities In Need
National Guard Hands Out Water

Days later, and still many people left without power. Hot temperatures with no signs of letting up is creating a problem for the health of many people, but help is here.

WTAP followed around Parkersburg Police and National Guard members as they handed out cases of water to people in the community.

"It's pretty bad. The heat is the bad thing. We can't keep our apartment cool. I've never been without electric for this long," says Parkersburg resident, Kenny Gant.

Homes are hot. People are frazzled, but the city isn't entirely powerless to help.

Officers joined by National Guardsman handed out cases of water all afternoon. West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin offered help, and the city of Parkersburg couldn't turn it down.

"What we decided to do was pair the guard up with a police officer and a fire fighter who is also an EMT so we can systematically go door to door in these areas and check to see if anyone needed any medical help from the heat," says Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell.

That heat isn't helping the patience of people still waiting for power.

"It's really hot. I've been sitting out on my porch since last night," says Mary Burchard.

But thank you's rang out as officers and guardsmen delivered case after case of water..

"I really appreciate all the good things that everybody's doing. The officers here, the military. Trying to get out in the community and let everybody know that we're trying to make a difference," Gant says.

Enough cases of water to fill an 18 wheel truck was brought to Erickson All Sports Facility.

Mayor Newell says with the boil advisory in effect, it's important that people have clean, fresh water to drink.