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Red Cross Responds to Flooded Ohio Counties
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Monday, July 31, 2006 — Heavy rain over the past several days caused widespread flooding in northeast Ohio, prompting Gov. Bob Taft to declare a state of emergency. The American Red Cross has opened shelters throughout the area, is beginning mobile feeding operations and is providing clean up kits to those affected by the flooding.
In Lake County, some residents saw as much as 12 inches of rain in just 18 hours that caused the Grand River to rise 11 feet above flood stage. The Greater Cleveland Red Cross chapter had nearly eight shelters open on Friday and served 5,400 meals and snacks throughout the weekend.
As the rain subsided and some residents were able to return home Sunday, two Red Cross shelters remained open serving food and beverages as well as providing medical referrals and other assistance. One shelter, located at Harvey High School in Painesville, housed 48 overnight guests on Friday and the other, in Madison at the Madison Senior Center, welcomed 21 overnight guests.
The Greater Cleveland chapter serves Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties. Chapter CEO Mary-Alice Frank expressed sympathy for the families in Lake County dealing with the aftermath of the floods.
“Although we respond to disasters on a regular basis, it is never easy to see the human side of the destruction," she said. "Our deepest concern is for the families and our staff and volunteers are working to ensure that swift response and emotional support is provided to these people.”
In addition to meals, snacks and beverages being served in shelters, mobile feedings have been arranged in coordination with the fire departments in Painesville, Fairport Harbor and Madison.
Approximately 800 clean up kits, along with how-to tips on cleaning flooded dwellings, are being distributed to Lake County families. A Red Cross clean up kit typically holds a mop, bleach, cleaning detergent, rubber gloves and other items necessary to begin the massive task of cleaning a flooded residence. Red Cross case workers already have begun meeting with families to determine assistance needs.
Flood damage has been reported throughout Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties, and one death has been reported. Gov. Taft has encouraged the President declare the area a disaster, making it eligible for federal aid.
While the clean up effort is underway, extremely high temperatures are expected to make the long process difficult on relief workers. It is anticipated that temperatures will drop to the low 80s by Thursday.
Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere and with little or no warning. For information about preparing your home and family for potential disasters and life's emergencies, visit the Get Prepared Section of RedCross.org, or contact your local chapter.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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