Red Cross Responds to Major Flooding in Central U.S.

As more rain threatens many states in the central part of the United States, major to near record flooding continues. The American Red Cross remains on the ground, providing food and shelter for the hundreds of people impacted.

Hardest hit are Missouri and Arkansas. More than 140 people are still in 15 shelters in the two states. In Missouri, the Red Cross and partners have already provided shelter for more than 355 people in 13 shelters, distributed more than 2,180 meals and snacks and almost 9,200 relief items (as of May 3).

Almost 70 Arkansas residents spent Thursday night in five shelters. Flood waters continue to rise and mandatory evacuations are occurring in several areas. Red Cross workers are providing shelter, food, health and mental health services and distributing relief items.

More rain is forecast for the region and moderate to major flooding is predicted to continue for the next several days. The Red Cross is working with local and state officials to ensure people get the help they need. If someone needs to find a shelter, they can visit redcross.org, check the Red Cross Emergency App or call 1-800-768-8048.

In addition to shelters, Red Cross volunteers are providing food and relief items and health and mental health services. In some areas, Red Cross caseworkers are beginning to connect one-on-one with families now to create recovery plans and access additional support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Hundreds of people across a large part of the country need your help now. Please click, text or call to donate to the Red Cross to help people affected by disasters big and small. Every single donation brings hope to those in need.

Make a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift.

Help people affected by disasters like severe storms and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. These gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

FLOODING

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters.
• Turn around, don’t drown. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.