The snow is melting and rivers and streams are rising, putting many people across the country in the path of flood waters. The American Red Cross is monitoring the situation with state and local officials and preparing to respond if necessary.
In Kentucky, the Mississippi, Ohio and Green Rivers caused concern over the weekend. The Red Cross opened shelters in Warsaw, Shelbiana and in McClean County near Calhoun and Rumsey. As waters receded, the shelters closed. However, officials are working with the Red Cross to monitor the western end of the state where there is a potential for additional flooding.
In Arkansas, flooding closed roads and affected multiple homes in Beach Grove. Red Cross workers are offering assistance to those affected and remain on stand-by if more help is needed. In Ohio, flooding threatened residents of the greater Cincinnati area and the Red Cross worked with local officials to provide assistance to people in the impacted area. Two shelters were opened overnight on Saturday in case people needed to evacuate their homes.
The Red Cross urges people who live in flood-prone areas to prepare now by packing supplies in case they have to evacuate. A complete list of what they should get ready is available here. If flooding is possible in someone’s neighborhood, they should also follow these safety steps: