Chamber of Commerce an Unlikely Shelter After Storm

One person in Towson was uniquely prepared for Hurricane Irene: Nancy Hafford, executive director of the

The Hampton resident works at the Jenifer Building on West Chesapeake Avenue and when the storm hit, her office didn't lose power.

Instead, she had utilities, beverages and room to share with downtown Towson employees who didn't have power at work or at home. Some even took a shower in a full bathroom on her second floor.

She said that since the storm, about 12 people each day have dropped by to use her facilities. Those include vacant offices on the second floor, once occupied by county tourism officials.

"No joke," she said. "People have been coming in every day still. Some of the people that work in our business community, their homes still don't have power."

Hafford wasn't sure how her building, formerly a dress shop, law firm and print shop, came to have a shower.

"I'm very thankful that we've got it," she said. "It's one of those things that we're very fortunate (to have) and we never thought about opening it to everyone (before)."