MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — Tuesday’s inclement weather created major issues for caregivers of both elderly people and those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
On a typical day, Henry Currie hops on the RTA Green Line to care for his elderly mother at her home across town.
Currie said from there, he walks to her house "to help out with a number of around-the-house functions and daily activities."
However, Currie’s mother did not receive that help Tuesday after her son’s daily bus route shut down for weather-related reasons.
“She can't get out and she's snowed in,” Currie said. “Much to my dismay today, of course, the worst day of the year for our snow season this year, I had to find out that the train is down.”
In Maple Heights, Kevin Lang experienced a similar situation.
Lang is a mobile transport driver for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
On his way to pick up a wheelchair-bound patient Tuesday, he got stuck in the snow.
“I came back here this morning to pick up one of my clients and I've been stuck ever since,” Lang said. “I can't get home. All I want to do is get out of here. They can't get no help to me.”
Lang was stuck there in his vehicle for more than ten hours.
The City of Maple Heights issued the following warning Tuesday afternoon:
“Excessive snow accumulation has made many roads in the area impassable. Residents are urged to stay home, unless travel is absolutely necessary. Power outages are also noted throughout the city. To report an outage, call 1-888-544-4877 or access First Energy on their web site.”
