Red Cross Warns Threat Isn’t Over

By American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is on the ground in Vermont where catastrophic flooding is forcing people from their homes. There are multiple shelters open across the region and Red Cross disaster teams are helping assess the damage and working with officials to determine what other support is needed.

The damage began over the weekend, causing major flooding in New York and Pennsylvania. Rain levels in the Northeast are as much as 500% above normal and have caused devastating flooding .

The threat in Vermont isn’t over. Major river flooding is forecast for the Lake Champlain Basin with moderate flooding forecast for the rest of the state. Several dams are reaching flood stage which could cause more damage. Emergency responders have conducted multiple water rescues, several areas are cut off due to flooding, more than 7,000 customers were without power Tuesday, many roads have been washed away and multiple homes and businesses are damaged.

Shelters

Almost 200 people sought refuge from the flooding overnight in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania. There are as many as 20 shelters open across the region where people can find a safe place to stay, food and drink and comfort as they weather the storm. You can find open shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) and selecting the disaster option. You can also find shelters by following your local county and city officials on social media or monitoring local news.

You Can Help

One of the best ways to help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises is 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 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Give Blood

The ongoing flooding could make it difficult for donors to travel to scheduled Red Cross blood drives and donation centers. We urge eligible individuals in unaffected areas to give blood or platelets to ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients. Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Flooding Safety

• Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.

• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary.

• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe to do so. Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.

• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, 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.

• Head for higher ground and stay there.

• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger.

• 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.

• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.

• Offer help to people who require special assistance including older adults, those without transportation, large families, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company.

• If any gas or electrical appliances were flooded, don’t use them until they have been checked for safety.

• Dispose of any food that has come into contact with flood water.

• Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.

Red Cross Apps

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.