17 register last night at Winfield High School shelter in Lincoln County and it remains open
***Red Cross representatives are available for interviews to discuss relief efforts and flood safety. For more information, please call 314.406.1920.***
St. Louis, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 – (6:00 p.m.) – As the flood waters continue to rise and communities along the Mississippi River in both Missouri and Illinois battle against time to lessen the impact, the American Red Cross has opened two more 24-hour emergency shelters in addition to the one set up last night at Winfield Senior High School in Lincoln County. These shelters will remain open 24/7 as long as they are needed.
- Winfield High School – 3920 East Highway 47 – Winfield, MO
- First United Methodist Church – 801 First Capitol Drive – St. Charles, MO
- Calhoun County High School - P. O. Box 387 – Hardin, IL
The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter has been designated as the operational headquarters for flood relief efforts in both Missouri and Illinois. The shelters in St. Charles, Mo., and Hardin, Ill., will open tonight at 6 p.m. An involuntary evacuation was issued for Hamburg, Ill., this afternoon affecting hundreds of people. The shelter at Calhoun County High School is opening tonight to help meet their immediate emergency needs. It will also house nearly 60 members of the Illinois National Guard who have been activated for state emergency duty. As the Red Cross continues its assessment in partnership with emergency management officials, additional shelters will be opened if the need arises.
Seventeen local residents registered last night at the Red Cross shelter at Winfield High School in Lincoln County. The shelter also provided 44 meals and 10 snacks. These numbers are expected to increase due to rapidly deteriorating conditions. The Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is urging residents east of Highway 79 to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground. The water has begun to spill over the tops of levees east of Foley, Old Monroe and northeast of Elsberry. The river is rising to 1993 levels and the situation is critical. County officials are warning people to move away from this area and seek higher ground.
Due to state and local health codes, the Red Cross cannot shelter pets along with people. To accommodate pet owners, the Humane Society has opened a temporary shelter at the Pike County Fairgrounds, located off Highway 54 East in Bowling Green. The shelter is housed inside the commercial building towards the back of the fairgrounds. Most animals, including horses, are welcome.
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.
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.
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.
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.