The American Red Cross is responding to this week’s devastating flooding in Missouri and Kentucky. Trained disaster workers are on the ground in both states, providing shelter, food and comfort to those affected and urging people to prepare now as the threat for additional flooding continues.
KENTUCKY Deadly flooding continues to inundate eastern Kentucky, destroying homes and hindering water rescues in the region. Some areas have already seen more than 10 inches of rain and as much as five additional inches may fall over the next several days, leading to more destruction.
Hundreds of homes are destroyed and damaged roads, downed trees, multiple mudslides and a strong current are preventing rescuers from reaching some areas. Numerous water systems are down and more than 23,900 customers are without power. Efforts to restore power and water service are delayed due to the flooding.
Trained Red Cross disaster workers are working alongside state and local partners to provide assistance to those affected, and the Red Cross is deploying additional disaster teams and relief supplies to the area. Nine shelters are open where more than 265 people spent Thursday night. The Red Cross will help assess the damage when it is safe to do so.
ST. LOUIS Record-breaking rain fell on the St. Louis area earlier this week, trapping people in vehicles and homes, leading to hundreds of water rescues. The Red Cross is providing shelter, meals and support to those impacted with the flooding. As flood waters recede, Red Cross damage assessment teams are helping across the flooded areas and will be working closely with community partners to identify needs and help people begin to recover from this disaster.
Since the flooding began, the Red Cross has provided numerous overnight shelter stays and working with our partners, has provided more than 1,500 meals and snacks. In addition, more than 100 people have visited the shelter throughout the day to receive water, snacks and assistance information.
FIND A SHELTER Anyone in the affected areas that needs a safe place to stay should visit redcross.org or view open shelters through the Red Cross Emergency app. If you don’t have access to a computer or smart phone, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to be directed to sheltering options near you. Alternatively, try calling 211 or 311, if these services are available in your area.
We encourage people who plan to stay in a Red Cross shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.
YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like floods, wildfires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
- Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
- If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
- Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates. If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary. Follow evacuation orders and don’t return until officials say it is safe.
- Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
- Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
- If power lines are down, don’t step in puddles or standing water.
AFTER THE FLOOD
- Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
- Connect with your neighbors and help people who require special assistance.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.
- Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.
- Be careful when moving furnishings or debris because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
- Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
- Have professionals service damaged septic tanks, cesspools pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.
- Use flashlights in the dark — not candles.
- Turn off and unplug any appliances, equipment and electronics. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
- Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
- Use perishable food from the refrigerator first. Then, use food from the freezer. If the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times.
If you are using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep this equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- Operate the generator on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up by poles. Don’t touch a generator with wet hands.
- Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS. The Red Cross Emergency app can help keep you and your loved ones safe with real-time alerts, shelter locations and safety advice. The Red Cross First Aid app provides instant access to information on handling the most common emergencies. Download these free apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.
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July 29, 2022 at 11:07PM
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Red Cross Responds to Devastating Flooding - American Red Cross
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