Upper Mount Bethel Township’s Emergency Shelter has certainly been utilized in the past few years. We opened the shelter after Hurricane Ivan in September of 2004, after the April 2005 flooding, and after an
ice storm interrupted power to our residents (just a few examples). The shelter is located in the Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Company at 2341 North Delaware Drive (Route 611). These events have impressed upon us the
importance of this facility and the need for our residents to have a safe, warm, dry place to go in case of an emergency. In 2004, we purchased a generator for the shelter to ensure it’s availability at all times.
In the event of an emergency, local television stations, radio stations and emergency personnel, including the Northampton County Control Center and the Pennsylvania State Police, are notified of the shelter’s opening.
The shelter can be called directly at (570) 897-6767. Residents are asked to bring blankets and food. Be sure to remember any small necessities such as medication and baby formula. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept
pets at the shelter. Residents may also obtain water from the shelter but you must bring your own containers.
The shelter is manned by volunteers. Usually, these volunteers are the Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Company members. They are an integral part of the shelter and their dedication is greatly appreciated. Donations of food
during emergencies are welcomed as are monetary donations to purchase supplies for the shelter.
We extend our to appreciation Representative Richard Grucela and Senator Lisa Boscola for working on our behalf to obtain grant funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to diminish our
costs for the generator and the installation.
Special thanks to Lindsey Manzi, UMBT Emergency Management Coordinator, Bill Williams, UMBT Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator Pete Reisen, Mt. Bethel Fire Company Member for all of their efforts to get the
shelter up and running.