Kingstowne-Rose Hill Recovers After Hurricane Sandy

The Kingstowne and Rose Hill areas started to recover Tuesday after seeing power outages and damage from the heavy winds and rains caused by Hurricane Sandy on Monday night.

Many local businesses remained closed after sustaining power outages, including Grounded Coffee Shop, Dress Barn, and The Little Gym. King Street Blues, Panera Bread and Starbucks are among the businesses open in Kingstowne.

The shelter at the Lee District RECenter on Telegraph Road provided refuge for 23 people Monday night, Fairfax County Public Information Officer Belinda Buescher said. The shelter will remain open until 10 a.m. Wednesday for residents who have lost power and need a hot shower or a warm place to sleep. This emergency shelter is provided by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services in conjunction with the American Red Cross and is currently staffed with Familly Services staffers, Red Cross volunteers, a Fairfax County Community Chaplain, a mental health professional and Fairfax County Police officers. The shelter can be expanded to house more people and families.

"We're prepared for however many people we get tonight," Buescher said.

The shelter also accommodates families with pets. An Animal Control officer will bring pets to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter to hold them temporarily until the owners are ready to leave the shelter. Pets are provided food, water, and a safe place to stay.

Buescher told Patch shelter staff is very grateful for the outpouring of community support. If residents want to help, they are urged to contact Volunteer Fairfax.