American Red Cross Opens Shelter In Bellefontaine For Flooding Evacuees

Flooding still a threat; Red Cross urges people to download free emergency app

Bellefontaine OH June 18, 2015 – The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Bellefontaine to assist those affected by recent flooding. Currently, numerous people have made inquiries about where to go if they need to evacuate and what to bring to the shelter. Red Cross workers are providing warm meals, a safe place to sleep and emotional support for those with immediate, disaster-caused needs. The shelter has been opened since the evening of the June 17th.

As of noon today, the following Red Cross shelter is open:

• Bellefontaine Middle School
  1201 Ludlow Road , Bellefontaine, OH 43331

“Red Cross disaster teams have been on standby most of this week and are eager to help,” stated Lynne Gump, Executive Director of the Northern Miami Valley Ohio Chapter, “They are in the shelter and also out in the community doing damage assessment in affected areas.” Logan County is one of many counties in Ohio that is experiencing flooding due to rain, with additional rain and storms in the forecast.

Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family:

• Prescriptions and emergency medications
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
• Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
• Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself
• Note – Public health regulations do not permit pets in shelters; service animals are permitted.

With more severe weather forecasted through the week, the Red Cross in encouraging people to prepare.

• Get a kit, make a plan, be prepared – can be found on redcross.org in the “Plan and Prepare” section under “Prepare Your Home and Family.”
• Disaster-specific checklists and other resources can be downloaded from the Disaster Safety Library on redcross.org

We urge you to share these Red Cross preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time. Stay informed: The Red Cross has several smartphone apps available that will alert you to National Weather Service warnings for severe weather and flash flooding and provide you with preparedness and safety information. These free apps are available at redcross.org/apps.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

Help people affected by disasters like [wildfires/floods/tornadoes] and countless other crises by making a gift to American 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/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

For more updates, follow the American Red Cross Northern Miami Valley Ohio on Twitter and Facebook. You can also contact the Chapter at 937) 650-5000, visit www.redcross.org/NMVO or call 1-800-REDCROSS.