Severe weather has been plaguing people in Indiana and Illinois for the last several weeks, the latest happening last weekend when heavy rainfall led to renewed flooding in both states. The American Red Cross is there, providing shelter, food and support to those impacted by these devastating storms.

In what appears as almost non-stop storms, Illinois saw more than 10 inches of rain, leading to flooding over the weekend. This comes on the heels of earlier storms, tornadoes and a derecho across the Chicago area which flooded roads, knocked out power and damaged homes.

In Indiana, rivers crested at record-setting levels, destroying roads and bridges. Officials reported there were hundreds of evacuations and rescues, that in Indianapolis, people were living through the worst flooding in 30 years. Flooding along the White River in the city led to hundreds being evacuated, some by boat. More than 86,000 customers are without power.

HOW IS THE RED CROSS HELPING? Since this severe weather began several weeks ago, more than 315 Red Cross disaster volunteers have been working around the clock to help and support those affected.

• They have opened or supported more than 30 emergency shelters and as many as 1,747 overnight stays in these shelters.
• With partners, these volunteers have provided more than 41,450 meals and snacks and distributed more than 1,800 relief items including comfort kits which have basic personal items like toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, a comb and brush and other needed supplies.
• They have supported damage assessment where it is safe to do so.
• Red Cross caseworkers have served more than 440 people with recovery support, including financial assistance, replacement of eyeglasses and other medical needs like refilling prescriptions.

FOUND SAFETY AT RED CROSS SHELTER Volunteer Wendy Starr met Eddie Chandler and his grandmother, Ramona, at the Red Cross shelter at the Washington Township Service Center and School in Indianapolis. They described how quickly water rose around their home near the White River, leading to them being rescued by boat.

They began receiving warnings of rising water on Friday around 3:00 p.m. As they watched the water levels increase, Eddie, nearby family members and neighbors began moving their vehicles to higher ground. Some trees fell onto their next-door neighbor’s home, cutting off electricity to several houses. Eddie realized they needed help ─ within a few short hours the water went from his ankles to his chin. His grandmother has several medical needs, and they could no longer escape by car. Thankfully, they were rescued by boat and brought to safety at the Red Cross shelter.

Upon arrival, Ramona received a medical cot and a place to plug in her oxygen tank. They also found other family members at the shelter. Both were grateful for the support from the Red Cross volunteers.

“They are so friendly. Everyone doted on us and gave us what we needed,” said Ramona. Eddie was pleased with how the Red Cross helped his grandmother and stepdad. “They make us feel comfortable and understand our medical conditions. Our house is destroyed. We don’t know when or if we can go back," said Eddie.

HOW CAN I FIND A SHELTER? You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org, using the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also check with local officials and monitor local news for information on where to get help. Anyone who has been affected is welcome to stop by a shelter for a hot meal, to charge their phone and get other support. We don’t ask for identification, and you don’t have to stay overnight.

HOW CAN I HELP? Please help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. You can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country.

WHEN THE POWER IS OUT  During a power outage, unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.

• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns — not candles — to help avoid fires.
• Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out, and roads could be congested.
• Decide if you need to leave if your home is too hot or cold, or if you have medical devices that need power.
• Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.

When in doubt, throw it out. To prevent illness, keep food cold.

• Eat fresh, perishable foods first.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help keep food cold. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Measure the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.

• Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep this type of equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
• Operate the generator on a dry surface and don’t touch it with wet hands.