Red Cross shelters 750 people; distributes 50,000 meals via Emergency Response Vehicles

St. Louis, Saturday, July 22, 2006 – As the power outage continues in the St. Louis area, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter continues to operate four emergency shelters throughout the metropolitan area, housing 750 people to date. Over 120 Red Cross volunteers are participating in the relief effort, providing emergency assistance for those hardest hit by the disaster. Over 5,000 meals and snacks have been provided so far; hot meals are prepared and provided in partnership with volunteers from the Southern Baptists, Missouri Convention.

In addition to meals provided through the Red Cross shelters, Missouri Red Cross Chapters are teaming together to move Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles and “Heater Meals†into the St. Louis area. Dozens of Red Cross volunteers are now taking the Emergency Response Vehicles to the streets, delivering 50,000 meals to the most disadvantaged communities; community distribution locations are determined in cooperation with Missouri and Illinois City and County Emergency Management Agencies.

“Heater Meals†are a Red Cross staple and are pre-positioned across the country for immediate distribution in times of emergency. Heater Meals are self-heating meals that do not require refrigeration or freezing; they include a patented food heater system that is activated by water (non-flammable) to produce heat and steam, providing a hot meal anytime, anyplace. A sample heater meal includes an entrée (green pepper steak with rice or chicken and noodles), plus side items including juice, applesauce, nuts, raisins, breadsticks and cookies.

Shelters will continue to remain open 24/7 throughout the weekend and services will be available until all needs are met:

• Marquette Recreation Center – 4025 Minnesota Avenue – South St. Louis City
• Wohl Recreation Center – 1515 N. Kingshighway Blvd. – North St. Louis City
• Jewish Community Center – 2 Millstone Campus Drive – St. Louis County
• Emge Junior High School – 7401 Westchester Drive – Belleville, IL

For more sheltering information, the public is encouraged to call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2700. In addition to the emergency shelters, the Red Cross continues to support area cooling sites operated by the United Way’s Operation Weather Survival by providing cold beverages as needed.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:

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. All Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free, thanks to generous public support.  For more information about volunteer opportunities, emergency services or a variety of other programs provided by the organization, log on to the St. Louis Area Chapter’s website at www.redcrossstl.org. 

About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:

Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross provides 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.