As flood threat increases, so does need for Volunteers, Donations

The American Red Cross is prepared for the possibility of severe flooding in the Southeast Louisiana area. Trained Red Cross workers have been in constant communication with local emergency management officials to prepare for a response if flooding occurs. The Red Cross has shelter plans and locations in place and has been distributing flood preparedness information to residents that could be impacted by flood waters.

The Red Cross is Seeking Volunteers to Help

The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help families that might be impacted by flooding in the upcoming weeks. The Southeast Louisiana Chapter will present two shelter operations training classes. The training will help prepare volunteers for the work they will do. The first class is from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. and the second is from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.on Thursday May 12, 2011 at the Red Cross Bayou Parishes Regional Office, 1233 Canal Blvd. in Thibodaux, LA 70302.

To register for the training, contact Louis Truong at (504) 620-3126 or by email at ltruong@arcno.org. To volunteer contact Brenda Singelmann at (504) 620-3156 or by e-mail at bsingelmann@arcno.org.

Red Cross is Working Across the South

Meanwhile, Red Cross relief efforts are continuing across the South, where deadly tornadoes destroyed or damaged as many as 13,000 homes in recent weeks. The Red Cross estimates the costs of its responses to the April tornadoes, flooding and other disasters since March 31 could reach $31 million - with the response to the Mississippi River flooding expected to drive relief expenses even higher. As of Thursday, May 5, the Red Cross had raised about $16 million for disaster response since March 31.

The Red Cross is preparing to launch a prolonged shelter and feeding operation for people living along the Mississippi, sending in disaster workers and pre-positioning thousands of cots, blankets and other relief supplies. Experts are warning that flood waters could remain in areas for as long as two weeks, forcing people to stay in shelters for more than a month.

“The Red Cross is preparing for a large disaster response to major flooding along the Mississippi, even as we continue to assist thousands of people affected by the recent tornadoes,” said Kay Wilkins, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter. “In the coming days and weeks we will need the support of this community to help our neighbors around the country.”

What Should You Do?

The Red Cross is urging people living along and around the Mississippi River to get prepared now. If their neighborhood is threatened, they should:

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for the area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If someone comes upon a flowing stream where water is above their ankles, they should stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a person off of their feet.
• If someone comes upon a flooded road while driving, they should turn around and go another way. If caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around them, they should get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

For More Flood Safety and Preparedness tips visit:

http://rdcrss.org/iw7T3y

People should know what the warnings mean. A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in the area. If a flood watch is issued, people should move their furniture and valuables to higher floors of their home. People should keep their vehicle’s gas tank full in case they have to evacuate.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the area. If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations for information. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

Please find the American Red Cross Flood Safety Checklist Attached.

Contact the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter Community Outreach Department to learn more about preparedness at 504-620-3105.

Thousands of people have been affected by these disasters. Please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Additional Information

• Original Press Release