Facility for Disabled Patients Readies Evacuation in Case of Generator Failure

The Merakey facility in Fairywood is entering day four without electricity.

This is a residence that fully cares for fifty individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"There are individuals who require feeding tubes, and one person who needs ventilator support. Therefore, electricity is essential to maintain these life-sustaining functions," Senior Executive Director of Merakey, Roni Erath, explained to Channel 11.

Ever since Tuesday evening, they have been operating using emergency power supplies.

"These generators are meant to function for a short period, perhaps one or two hours... certainly not four days," she explained.

The major concern is that the generators might cease functioning, forcing them to transfer patients with critical needs to another Merakey facility.

"It’s more complicated than simply relocating a mattress. They require suitable bedding options. Additionally, since they use feeding tubes, it’s crucial that they remain in an elevated position," she explained.

This is precisely why Merakey leaders made a 911 call today—to alert emergency personnel that assistance might be required for evacuating inhabitants.

"I can only imagine the pressure they feel, knowing about their circumstances and being uncertain about what tomorrow might hold," Nathan Johnston said to Channel 11.

Johnston resides up the street and has similarly gone without electricity for the past few days. However, his emphasis is on highlighting Merakey.

"It's exactly these individuals who require assistance the most. Our circumstances may not be ideal, but theirs are even more dire. Therefore, they should take precedence," he mentioned additionally.

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