Large Red Cross emergency shelters are no longer needed; additional assistance available on individual basis
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Video Recap: (video footage provided courtesy of Bacon's and NewsChannel 5 KSDK)
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St. Louis, Monday, December 11, 2006 - As power was restored throughout the metropolitan area, large full-service Red Cross emergency shelters were no longer needed and closed on Thursday, December 7. The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter will continue to assist people who remain without power on an individual basis by providing emergency assistance, including shelter. The public is encouraged to call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 for any additional emergency needs related to the power outage and extreme temperatures.
Following a severe winter storm, the American Red Cross sheltered 1,383 people and has served 16,312 meals and snacks over six nights in five emergency shelters opened to accommodate residents during extended power outages. The Red Cross partnered with emergency management officials, the National Guard and many local municipalities and agencies to provide assistance, including the Southern Baptist Missouri Convention which prepared as many as 1,000 meals a day.
More than 160 Red Cross shelter volunteers have helped with emergency needs that include shelter, food and health services. In addition to operating full-service shelters, more than 50 Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers have provided assistance including shelter, food, clothing, health services, blankets and hygiene items to over 120 people impacted by more than 30 fires
since December 1, 2006. While the Red Cross has responded to many other local fires and supported emergency responders on the scene, more than 30 local fires have resulted in the need for client casework.
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. Anyone who needs help is encouraged to call 314.516.2800.
How to Help:
The American Red Cross is not a government agency. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the financial generosity of the St. Louis community. To find out how you can help, please contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or 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 relief and preparedness training more than 410,000 times each year. The Red Cross is 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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