[StBernard] American Red Cross Working To Help People Along the Mississippi River - Flood Safety Tips and More

[Westley Annis]

Red Cross Moving Supplies and Volunteers To Help People Along the
Mississippi River 


As flood threat increases, so does need for Volunteers, Donations

The American Red Cross is prepared for the possibility of severe flooding in
the Southeast Louisiana area. Trained Red Cross workers have been in
constant communication with local emergency management officials to prepare
for a response if flooding occurs. The Red Cross has shelter plans and
locations in place and has been distributing flood preparedness information
to residents that could be impacted by flood waters.


The Red Cross is Seeking Volunteers to Help 
The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help families that might be
impacted by flooding in the upcoming weeks. The Southeast Louisiana Chapter
will present two shelter operations training classes. The training will help
prepare volunteers for the work they will do. The first class is from
1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. and the second is from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.on Thursday May
12, 2011 at the Red Cross Bayou Parishes Regional Office, 1233 Canal Blvd.
in Thibodaux, LA 70302. 


To register for the training, contact Louis Truong at (504) 620-3126 or by
email at ltruong at arcno.org.
To volunteer contact Brenda Singelmann at (504) 620-3156 or by e-mail at
bsingelmann at arcno.org.

Red Cross is Working Across the South
Meanwhile, Red Cross relief efforts are continuing across the South, where
deadly tornadoes destroyed or damaged as many as 13,000 homes in recent
weeks. The Red Cross estimates the costs of its responses to the April
tornadoes, flooding and other disasters since March 31 could reach $31
million—with the response to the Mississippi River flooding expected to
drive relief expenses even higher. As of Thursday, May 5, the Red Cross had
raised about $16 million for disaster response since March 31. 

The Red Cross is preparing to launch a prolonged shelter and feeding
operation for people living along the Mississippi, sending in disaster
workers and pre-positioning thousands of cots, blankets and other relief
supplies. Experts are warning that flood waters could remain in areas for as
long as two weeks, forcing people to stay in shelters for more than a month.


 “The Red Cross is preparing for a large disaster response to major flooding
along the Mississippi, even as we continue to assist thousands of people
affected by the recent tornadoes,” said Kay Wilkins, CEO of the American Red
Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter. “In the coming days and weeks we will
need the support of this community to help our neighbors around the
country.” 

 

What Should You Do?
The Red Cross is urging people living along and around the Mississippi River
to get prepared now. If their neighborhood is threatened, they should:



*	Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. 
*	When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for the area, head for
higher ground and stay there. 
*	Stay away from floodwaters. If someone comes upon a flowing stream
where water is above their ankles, they should stop, turn around and go
another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a person off of
their feet. 
*	If someone comes upon a flooded road while driving, they should turn
around and go another way. If caught on a flooded road and waters are rising
rapidly around them, they should get out of the car quickly and move to
higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving
water. 
*	Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack
judgment about running water or contaminated water. 
*	Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood
danger. 


For More Flood Safety and Preparedness tips visit:

http://rdcrss.org/iw7T3y

 

People should know what the warnings mean. A flood WATCH means a flood is
possible in the area. If a flood watch is issued, people should move their
furniture and valuables to higher floors of their home. People should keep
their vehicle’s gas tank full in case they have to evacuate.

 

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in
the area. If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television
stations for information. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.


Please find the American Red Cross Flood Safety Checklist Attached.  

Contact the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter Community
Outreach Department to learn more about preparedness at 504-620-3105.   

 

Thousands of people have been affected by these disasters. Please consider
making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED
CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10
donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local American Red
Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC
20013.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to
victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches
lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports
military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable
organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the
generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more
information, please visit www.redcross.org <http://www.redcross.org/>  or
join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org <http://blog.redcross.org/> .

 

The Southeast Louisiana Chapter serves more than 1.6 million people
throughout Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. John,
Assumption, Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and
Washington parishes.  The Southeast Louisiana Chapter also provides Disaster
Action Team (DAT) assistance to the St. Bernard Community Chapter.  For more
information on the Southeast Louisiana Chapter please call 985-892-4317 or
visit www.arcno.org <http://www.arcno.org> .  You can become a fan of the
Southeast Louisiana Chapter at www.facebook.com/RedCrossSELA
<http://www.facebook.com/RedCrossSELA>  or follow us on twitter:
@RedCrossSELA. 

 

 

 

 

 

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