 American Red Cross Opens Two 24-Hour Emergency Shelters in Saint Louis County and Jefferson County;
Red Cross Supports Third Shelter in Franklin County
Shelters open at 5 p.m. Wednesday to provide safe refuge in wake of flooding
St. Louis, Wednesday, March 19, 2008 – (3:00 p.m.) – At 5 p.m. today, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter will open two 24-hour emergency shelters in Saint Louis County and Jefferson County to provide safe refuge in the wake of severe flooding in the region. These shelter locations are 2 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 includes shelter and food.
The 24-hour Red Cross emergency shelters will remain open at these locations as long as they are needed:
Saint Louis County:
- Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church – 1230 Big Bend Road – Ballwin, MO 63021
Note: St. Louis County Health Department is opening a pet shelter adjacent to this Red Cross shelter.
Jefferson County, MO:
- Northwest High School – 6005 Cedar Hill Road – Cedar Hill, MO 63016
The Red Cross is supporting a third shelter in Franklin County which is expected to open at 5 p.m. today; in a continuing effort to maximize community resources in times of disaster, the Red Cross has partnered with the Pacific Police Department to open a shelter in Franklin County. While the shelter is being managed by Pacific Police, Red Cross is providing cots, blankets, food and sheltering supplies.
Franklin County, MO:
- Riverbend School – 2085 Highway N – Pacific, MO 63069
As the Red Cross continues its assessment in partnership with emergency management officials, additional shelters will be opened if the need arises.
Red Cross National and Local Resources are being activated:
With severe flooding expected to continue across the state of Missouri, Red Cross is providing emergency relief throughout the state. In addition to operating and supporting three shelters in the St. Louis area, Red Cross national headquarters for statewide relief efforts are being housed in St. Louis; National Red Cross resources and supplies warehoused in the St. Louis area (95,000 ft national warehouse) are being activated to support the flood relief effort and hundreds of local, trained Red Cross workers are being activated and are on stand-by for deployment.
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 us at 314.516.2800 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 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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