photo by Lindsey Weber

The past two days, squeals of delight could be heard from homes all across St. Louis as school closings flashed across the news. While seven inches of snow blanketed the city, children blanketed themselves before heading out to play. Luckily for the St. Louis community, schools and businesses are the only thing the storm managed to shut down.

 

In Southern Missouri, the winter weather not only left behind snow and ice, but it left whole communities in the dark. Literally. Over 100,000 power outages have been reported, and officials are finding it hard to estimate when the electricity and heat will come back on.

 

Local Red Cross Chapters have already opened 12 shelters providing cots, blankets, food, and water to those affected by the power outages. But with cold temperatures lingering, roads blocked from the snow, and downed power lines, more assistance may be required.

 

Staff and volunteers here at the St. Louis Area Chapter are currently assessing the situation, contacting volunteers for potential deployment, and readying supplies-just in case. You can never be too prepared.

 

We’ll keep you posted!

 

For more information on how to prepare yourself for winter weather or power outages, check out the website for more information.

 

Lindsey