 American Red Cross Opens One 24-Hour Emergency Shelter
at Winfield High School in Lincoln County
Shelter opens at 5 p.m. Monday to provide safe refuge in wake of flooding
St. Louis, Monday, June 16, 2008 – (2:30 p.m.) – At 5 p.m. today, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter will open one 24-hour emergency shelter in Lincoln County at the Winfield High School in Winfield, Mo., to provide safe refuge for families and individuals affected by flooding in the region. This shelter location is one of nearly 600 local shelter sites that are on standby at all times ready to serve as havens in times of disaster. In partnership with the community groups who make their facilities available to us, Red Cross workers will provide assistance for emergency needs that include shelter and food.
The 24-hour Red Cross emergency shelter will remain open at this location for as long as needed:
- Winfield High School – 3920 East Highway 47 – Winfield, MO
As the Red Cross continues its assessment in partnership with emergency management officials, additional shelters will be opened if the need arises.
American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter Resources are being activated:
With severe flooding expected to continue in northeast Missouri, Red Cross is providing emergency relief throughout the region. American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter resources and supplies warehoused at the St. Charles County Service Center are being transported to support the flood relief effort and dozens of local, trained Red Cross workers are being activated and are on stand-by for deployment.
Responding to widespread flooding and tornado damage throughout the Midwest, the American Red Cross is currently handling 11 major relief operations in the United States. Officials and volunteers are currently responding to meet the immediate emergency needs of families and individuals affected by massive flooding and severe storms in seven states. The St. Louis Area Chapter has deployed a total of 14 disaster volunteers and caseworkers to the states of Iowa and Indiana. Approximately 100 volunteers are currently on stand-by to handle flood relief efforts locally. Also, the Chapter’s emergency response vehicle has been mobilized.
For those who may be evacuating, please keep in mind the following safety tips:
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information, and follow all instructions provided by authorities.
- When advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Do not drive through flood waters. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water (or the engine stalls), use caution when leaving your vehicle.
- Do not walk through flooded areas.
- If you are outdoors, climb to higher ground and stay there.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Watch out for animals seeking shelter because they have lost their habitat.
About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with food, clothing, shelter and other needs in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a vast array of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of thousands of volunteers that give freely of their time.
How You Can Help:
The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and relies upon the generosity of the local community to provide relief during times of disaster. To make a contribution in support of disaster relief for this and future events, please contact Liz Robertson at 314.516.2782 or donate on-line at www.redcrossstl.org
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 91 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 446,600 times each year. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
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