(MONTGOMERY COUNTY) -- The owners of an adult care home in Montgomery County walked out on 47 residents and left the staff scrambling to take care of them.

Julie Henry with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the abandoned residents were placed in other facilities, just ahead of the winter storm.

"According to our information everybody, all the residents, were placed by 7:00 last night. And that was due to the swift action of thelocal department of social services."

The owners, Amy and Larry Patton, also have two homes in Guilford County. Residents there had advance notice and have all found safe places to stay.