Red Cross Efforts in South Texas Continues

THURSDAY, 7-30-2020

The American Red Cross continues to serve South Texas communities as they work to recover from Hurricane Hanna. Damage assessment teams are on the ground collecting information about affected neighborhoods and feeding missions are underway.  

Shelters remain open for communities affected by flooding and power outages and volunteers are arranging clean-up supplies such as bleach, mops, gloves, rakes and shovels to support affected residents.

Those with non-emergency flood-related needs are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS Option 4. Service is available in English and Spanish. 

Since July 25, 2020, more than 330 virtual and in-person Red Cross workers have:

• Served more than 5,937 meals and snacks
• Provided more than 400 disaster health, mental health, spiritual care and disability consults
• Provided more than 450 overnight stays in shelters

As of noon, the following Red Cross managed shelters are available: 

For up to the minute shelter information visit redcross.org and select GET HELP

ADDITIONAL SHELTER INFORMATION

The shelters will follow CDC guidelines with social distancing protocols such as limiting populations to 50 or fewer residents, additional space between cots and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices.

While coordinating with local officials, a health screening process is in effect for anyone coming into a shelter. Each shelter has been equipped with PPE kits containing masks, gloves, thermometers, gowns, hand sanitizer, etc.

 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
• Public health regulations do not permit pets in shelters. However, service animals are permitted and may stay with their owner in Red Cross shelters. Partner organizations make every effort to provide pet sheltering close to Red Cross shelters so pet owners can visit their pets frequently.

FOR HELP Those with non-emergency flood-related needs are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS Option 4. Service is available in English and Spanish.

STAY SAFE With more severe weather anticipated, the Red Cross is encouraging people to prepare by:

Be sure you’re Red Cross Ready. That means: Assembling an emergency preparedness kit

• Creating a household evacuation plan that includes your pets
• Staying informed about your community’s risk and response plans
• Educating your family on how to use the  Safe and Well website
• Downloading the Emergency App for iPhone >> or for Android >> or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

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.    

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! We thank individuals and community groups who are willing to support our response efforts and encourage them to register to become new volunteers. Learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer.

HEALTH SERVICES AND SHELTER HELP NEEDED

Full information on volunteer opportunities is available here.

FURRY FRIENDS NEED HELP TOO When people leave their homes during an emergency, they take their pets with them. The Red Cross is looking for established partner organizations to support the pet sheltering effort.

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 hurricanes, floods 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 Texas Gulf Coast on Twitter and Facebook @RedCrossTXGC. You can also visit https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.html or call 1-800-REDCROSS

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross is a United Way agency that shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Press release is courtesy of The American Red Cross