Regional Flooding – American Red Cross Is Ready to Respond

In the face of weather warnings about potential flooding in our area over the coming days, the Red Cross urges you to visit the regional Red Cross website, www.1redcross.org, for tips on flood safety and how your family can prepare. There is a list of supplies that every household should have in the event of a disaster and safety reminder information, such as:

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.A car can be swept away by less than two feet of water so do not attempt to drive through water running across the road.Listen to radio and television reports to keep informed about the latest weather forecast and changes to flooding forecasts.Include your pets in your disaster plan.  If you live near a stream or river, be prepared to evacuate quickly. More information is available at www.1redcross.org

The local American Red Cross is prepared to respond to the potential flooding in our community.  It is working closely with the county Emergency Office and the National Weather service in order to pre-position supplies and open shelters where they will be most needed.  Volunteers across the region are on stand-by and are aware they may be needed at any time to open shelters so citizens have a safe place to go, provide food for shelter residents, offer mental health counseling to those impacted by the rising waters, staff Emergency Offices, move material resources where needed and fill many other preparedness needs.  The Red Cross will continue to monitor the situation and be ready to post shelter locations if and when they open.

The American Red Cross is a charitable organization, not a government agency, and relies on donations to fund its free humanitarian services. The local Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund provides vital life saving assistance to those affected by disasters that occur in our communities. Red Cross assistance is always free to the victims and is supported by donations from generous individuals, just like you. By donating to the Disaster Fund, you ensure Red Cross assistance to your neighbor when disaster strikes, like flooding. Please make a financial donation to this and other disasters by calling 607-785-7207, visiting www.1redcross.org or sending a check to the American Red Cross, 620 East Main St., Endicott, NY 13760