Red Cross shelters Open

NEWS RELEASE

April 30, 2011

Red Cross Shelter Update

 

The following shelters managed by volunteers of the Greater Ozarks Chapter and Southeast Chapter of the American Red Cross remain open.

 

Shelter Locations:

 

Cape Girardeau County:                                 Osage Center

                                                                        1625 N. Kings Highway, Cape Girardeau, MO

 

Stoddard County:                                           Advance High School Gym

                                                                        201 E. School St. Advance, MO

 

                                                                        Lighthouse Christian Center Ministries

                                                                        13900 State Hwy. 25 North, Dexter, MO

 

Mississippi County:                                         First Baptist Church,

                                                                        205 Pearl Street, East Prairie, MO  63845

 

                                                                        First Baptist Church

                                                                        301 South Main, Charleston, MO 

 

New Madrid County:                                     Morehouse First Baptist Church

                                                                        210 Beech St., Morehouse, MO

 

 

Your American Red Cross needs your help.  If you would like to support the disaster relief operation please join us by logging onto www.redcross.org.           

 

You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Shelter update

April 30, 2011                       NEWS RELEASE

Red Cross Continues Their Mission

Shelter update and correction

Springfield, MO

         

Correction to Shelter Information for Saturday, April 30, 2011

 

The Greater Ozarks Chapter and Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross continue to operate shelters at the following locations:

 

Advance High School Gym                                 Advance, MO

 

First Baptist Church                                              East Prairie, MO

 

First Baptist Church                                              Charleston, MO

 

Lighthouse Christian Center                              Dexter, MO

 

Morehouse First Baptist Church                       Morehouse, MO

 

Osage Community Center                                   Cape Girardeau, MO

 

            The Red Cross disaster relief operation in Southern Missouri has sheltered over 400 people in the last several days.  They have also provided 1,763 meals and 1,619 snacks.  Three Emergency Response Vehicles have also provided mobile feeding.  At least 100 comfort kits were also distributed.

 

            Late last night a truck arrived in Cape Girardeau with bulk distribution supplies which will be distributed in that area.  The truck left Springfield yesterday afternoon with supplies which came from the Red Cross St. Louis distribution center.  It includes items such as clean-up kits, work gloves, and comfort kits. 

 

            At the present time Damage Assessment teams are still unable to access damaged areas in the Branson area due to the high waters.  More information will be provided as it becomes available on damage assessment in the Branson area. Due to zero population, the shelter in Branson was closed at the Salvation Army.  The Red Cross had provided the cots, blankets and volunteers to operate the shelter.    

 

            The media is encouraged to view the Greater Ozarks chapter website at www.redcross-ozarks.org .  Click on news at the top of the page and follow information on the links at the bottom of the page to utube, twitter, facebook, etc. 

 

            The Greater Ozarks Chapter and the Southeast Missouri Chapters of the American Red Cross would like to thank the public for all their support of the recent disaster in Missouri.  With a forecast of more rain on the way, your Red Cross remains committed to helping everyone who has been affected by the Missouri floods.       

         

 You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Red cross update 4-30-11

April 30, 2011                                                                       NEWS RELEASE

Red Cross Continues Their Mission

Springfield, MO

          Sunny skies and beautiful weather are not keeping Red Cross volunteers and staff members of the Greater Ozarks Chapter and Southeast Missouri Chapter from continuing their mission of providing relief to victims of the recent flooding in Missouri.  They continue with their mission of helping people get back on their feet after experiencing devastation and being forced to evacuate from their homes. 

 

            As of Friday evening only two shelters remained open with a total of 34 people provided with shelter, food and emotional support.  There were 31 people in New Madrid County and 3 in Stoddard County.

 

            The Red Cross disaster relief operation in Southern Missouri has sheltered over 400 people in the last several days.  They have also provided 1,763 meals and 1,619 snacks.  Three Emergency Response Vehicles have also provided mobile feeding.  At least 100 comfort kits were also distributed.

 

            Late last night a truck arrived in Cape Girardeau with bulk distribution supplies which will be distributed in that area.  The truck left Springfield yesterday afternoon with supplies which came from the Red Cross St. Louis distribution center.  It includes items such as clean-up kits, work gloves, and comfort kits. 

 

            At the present time Damage Assessment teams are still unable to access damaged areas in the Branson area due to the high waters.  More information will be provided as it becomes available on damage assessment in the Branson area. Due to zero population, the shelter in Branson was closed at the Salvation Army.  The Red Cross had provided the cots, blankets and volunteers to operate the shelter.    

 

            The media is encouraged to view the Greater Ozarks chapter website at www.redcross-ozarks.org .  Click on news at the top of the page and follow information on the links at the bottom of the page to utube, twitter, facebook, etc. 

 

            The Greater Ozarks Chapter and the Southeast Missouri Chapters of the American Red Cross would like to thank the public for all their support of the recent disaster in Missouri.  With a forecast of more rain on the way, your Red Cross remains committed to helping everyone who has been affected by the Missouri floods.       

         

 You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Storm's Aftermath

Red Cross Responds in 11 States to Spring Storms’ Aftermath

 

 

Springfield, MO – April 29, 2011

 

From the Deep South to the Northeast, the American Red Cross is at work in 11 states to help people devastated by the recent deadly tornadoes and floods.

 

“The American Red Cross is working night and day in many states across the south to give people what they need in the wake of this devastating series of tornadoes,” said Joann Moore, Public Information Officer for the Greater Ozarks Chapter. “Right now Red Cross volunteers and disaster relief supplies are being sent to the area from all over the country.”

 

Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services, is in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he witnessed the damage and explained the Red Cross response.

 

“Our hearts go out to those who’ve suffered from this tragic event and to those who’ve lost loved ones,” said Shimanski. “You can see the absolutely heart-wrenching damage that’s occurred here. The Red Cross has some key top priorities to meet the essential needs of the victims.”

 

“Our primary goal is to take care of those affected. First, we’re sheltering those whose homes have been destroyed by all this damage.“ Shimanski continued. “We’re also feeding those who have been displaced—and there are countless displaced because of the extensive damage. And we’re providing emotional support—a major concern because scores of lives have been lost.”

Ensuring people have a safe place to stay is a major priority. Red Cross shelters are currently open in Alabama, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia.

 

More than 1,500 people spent the night in a Red Cross shelter Thursday night. In hard-hit Alabama, 12 Red Cross shelters are open across the state. Red Cross disaster workers, relief supplies, blood products and equipment have been sent into Alabama, along with more than 50 emergency response vehicles and 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross nurses and mental health workers have also been deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

 

The Red Cross is working with its partners around the clock to help people in every affected state, and will continue to focus on making sure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat, emotional support, basic health services and relief supplies. The Red Cross will continue to be there in the coming weeks as they help residents get back on their feet. 

 

“The devastation to this area is tragic,” Shimanski commented. “I’m humbled to see that Red Cross staff who have damage to their own homes and lives are here volunteering in shelters, helping their neighbors in this great time of need.” 

 

For those who are affected by a disaster in the U.S., registering on the Red Cross Safe and Well website is a way for those in the disaster area to let loved ones know they are safe. Friends and family outside the disaster area can also visit the Safe and Well site to search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.

 

There are several ways to register or look for messages from those affected by a disaster:

 

§  From a computer, visit www.redcross.org and click on the “List Yourself or Search Registrants” link under “How to Get Help.”

§  From a smart phone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell.

§  Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register.

 

 

Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website.

 

 

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster, both here in the United States and around the world. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO  65803 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Multi-agency help

 

April 29, 2011                       NEWS RELEASE

 

Multi-Agency Resource Center to open to help families

Red Cross Service Update

 

Cape Girardeau –

 

The American Red Cross and community partner agencies are working together to help people affected by the recent flooding in Missouri.  To support families, there will be a Multi Agency Resource Center (MARC) to meet with families and provide information and assistance.

 

Location, dates and hours of operation are as follows:

 

First Baptist Church

Fellowship Hall

551 N Westwood

Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Monday May 2 & Tuesday, May 3, 2011

10am – 7pm

 

What is a Multi-Agency Resource Center?  It is a central location for local and state agencies as well as human service organizations to answer your questions, provide information and disaster related assistance such as clean up kits, bleach, other bulk supplies, and information about how to apply for financial assistance.

 

Red Cross Damage Assessment teams are mobilizing and are preparing to begin their assessments in affected areas.

 

Red Cross Disaster workers are working around the clock in the affected areas, providing people with shelter, meals, counseling and supplies to help with clean-up efforts.  The Red Cross is committed and will still be there in the weeks to come, helping people as they try to get back on their feet. 

 

 

You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

###

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Disaster Relief Update

NEWS RELEASE

Red Cross Disaster Relief Update

 

April 29, 2011, Springfield, MO

 

            The Greater Ozarks Chapter and the Southeast Missouri Chapters of the American Red Cross are continuing their mission of providing relief to the victims of the recent flooding in Missouri.  Volunteers are working tirelessly and will continue to do so till all the people have been helped and may safely return to their homes.

 

            The following shelters remained open last night, April 28, 2011. The numbers indicate the population at each shelter.  As mandatory evacuation orders are lifted, the shelter population has diminished. 

 

Shelter locations:

 

Butler County:                                Black River Coliseum

                                                            Poplar Bluff, MO                 (18)

 

Cape Girardeau County:              Osage Center

                                                            Cape Girardeau, MO          (4)

 

Taney County:                                Salvation Army      

                                                            Branson, MO                       (4)

 

Stoddard County:                          Lighthouse Christian Center Ministries

                                                            Dexter, MO                           (8)

 

Scott County:                                  Scott County Central H.S.            (10)

                                                            Sikeston, MO

 

Damage Assessment teams have responded in Branson but are unable to assess damage at this time due to high waters.  They estimate it will be a few days before they are able to access the affected areas. 

 

Damage assessment will be completed in McDonald County today and estimates at this time include helping about 25 families. 

 

Today a truck will leave Springfield for Cape Girardeau with bulk distribution supplies such as clean-up kits, hand sanitizer and comfort kits.   

 

Your American Red Cross is committed and will still be there in the weeks to come, helping people as they try to get back on their feet.   

         

         

You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

MSSU and Red Cross

April 28, 2011                                                                                                           NEWS RELEASE

MSSU, Red Cross Join in Disaster Planning

 

Springfield, MO –

                     

            This morning a special signing ceremony took place at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center at MSSU in Joplin.   The Greater Ozarks Regional Chapter of the American Red Cross and Missouri Southern State University have joined forces to assist those in need after a disaster strikes the region.  The University has agreed to provide “in place sheltering” to those people displaced after a local, state or national disaster.  Staff members from the Springfield and Joplin offices were on hand as well as many University and emergency management officials.

           

Chris Harmon, Regional Executive Director of Emergency Services, and Dr. Bruce W. Speck, MSSU President, signed the official papers this morning about 10:00 a.m.

 

Chris Harmon said, “This partnership will provide critical resources and planning that we believe will save lives and provide important crisis response training and planning.”

 

Dr. Speck was very excited about the agreement and hopes their facility will not have to be utilized but assured everyone they are ready to help. 

 

Many lives have been turned upside down recently due to the storms that have created devastation throughout the South and the Midwest.  This agreement sheds light on the fact that more people throughout the state and region are becoming aware of the necessity of preparedness and how we can best help our neighbors in times of need! 

 

 

You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Red Cross Helps Across the South

April 28, 2011                                                                                               NEWS RELEASE

 

Red Cross Sends Help after Deadly Tornadoes Blast through the South
Disaster workers, meals, equipment and blood headed to area hardest hit

                                                               

 

Thursday, April 28, 2011 — The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people after Wednesday’s deadly tornadoes destroyed neighborhoods throughout the southern region of the country.

 

“The American Red Cross is making sure people have a safe place to stay and food to eat.  We will be there as long as needed as families struggle to get through this terrible tragedy, said Debi Meeds, Executive Director of the Greater Ozarks Chapter.  “The Red Cross is working in communities across a large part of the country helping people affected by these storms.”

 

Hardest hit was Alabama, where Governor Robert Bentley has activated National Guard troops to help in the devastated areas.  The Red Cross is sending disaster workers, materials, and equipment into the state.  Nearly 40 emergency response vehicles are on the way, along with 25,000 ready-to-eat meals.  Red Cross Blood Services is moving hundreds of blood products into the area and Red Cross nurses and mental health works are being deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

 

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who lost loved ones or have suffered through these deadly storms,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “Red Cross disaster teams are working around the clock to help the thousands of people whose lives are turned upside down, more Red Cross assistance is on the way.”  “Our top priority right now is to provide food and shelter to the thousands of people throughout the South and Midwest affected by these storms,” Shimanski said, adding that the Red Cross is also distributing relief supplies and providing emotional support and basic health services to disaster survivors.

 

More than 1,600 people sought refuge in 65 Red Cross shelters Wednesday night as the storms forced them from their homes.  Red Cross shelters are open in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas. 

 

More than half of the country has been affected by this continuous band of damaging weather, disrupting people’s lives from North Dakota to the East Coast.  In the last several weeks, Red Cross disaster workers have provided thousands of overnight stays in shelters, distributed thousands of clean-up and comfort kits and served hundreds of thousands of meals and snacks.

 

Those who want to help the people affected by these disasters, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Their gift will enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other disaster assistance. To make a donation, people can visit www.redcross.org, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to the Greater Ozarks Chapter at 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO  65803, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Three New Shelters will open

April 27, 2011                                                           NEWS RELEASE

 

Red Cross Will Open Three More Shelters

 

Cape Girardeau, MO

         

            The Southeast Chapter of the American Red Cross, Cape Girardeau, MO will open three more shelters;  they should be up and running by 3 p.m. today, April 27, 2011.  

 

Shelter Locations:

 

Mississippi County:                       First Baptist Church

                                                            205 Pearl Street     

                                                            East Prairie, MO  63845

 

                                                            First Baptist Church

                                                            301 South Main

                                                            Charleston, MO  63834

 

Stoddard County:                          Lighthouse Christian Center Ministries

                                                            13900 State Hwy. 25 North

                                                            Dexter, MO  63841

 

If anyone is in need of emergency assistance please contact the Greater Ozarks Chapter at 866-206-0256 in Springfield or the Southeast Missouri Chapter in Cape Girardeau at 888-335-9471.

 

 

 

You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org 

 

 

Red cross update 4-27-11

April 27, 2011                       NEWS RELEASE

 

Red Cross Shelter Update

Springfield, MO –

 

                        The Greater Ozarks Chapter and Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross are working together to help the victims of the recent flooding in Missouri which has forced many people to evacuate from their homes.  The following is a list of shelters still open and the number of people that occupied them last night, April 26, 2011. 

 

Shelter Locations:

 

Cape Girardeau County:              Osage Center

                                                            1625 N Kings Highway, Cape Girardeau, MO

                                                            (5 People) Remains open

 

Butler County:                                Black River Coliseum

                                                            301 S. 5^th St., Poplar Bluff, MO 

                                                            (310 People) Remains open

 

Scott County:                                  Scott County Central H.S.

                                                            Sikeston, MO     (8 People) Remains open

 

Taney County:                                Salvation Army

                                                            1114 Stanley, Branson, MO (11 People) Remains open

 

The following shelters are closed at this time. 

            Noel Fire Station, Noel, MO (McDonald County)

            Ellington High School, Ellington, MO (Reynolds County)

            First Baptist Church, West Plains, MO (Howell County)

 

Damage Assessment teams are mobilizing and are preparing to begin their assessments in affected areas. Volunteer caseworkers are now on standby and are expected to report by this weekend to meet with the affected individuals. 

 

Today we are expected to receive a shipment of clean-up kits and they will be distributed to areas where needed the most. 

 

A Red Cross Communication Response Vehicle is scheduled to arrive in Cape Girardeau and will be on hand to help with managing communication issues in affected areas. 

 

Red Cross Disaster workers are working around the clock in the affected areas, providing people with shelter, meals, counseling and supplies to help with clean-up efforts.  The Red Cross is committed and will still be there in the weeks to come, helping people as they try to get back on their feet. 

 

 

You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent Missouri floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.  Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

For more information go to www.redcross.org