LITTLE ROCK — The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for residents impacted by flooding in Desha County at:

• Dumas High School, 709 Dan Gill Drive, Dumas, AR 71639

The Red Cross is set to close the following shelter shelters as individuals transition to the next phase of recovery:

• Evangel Temple, 1110 South 12 Street, Fort Smith, AR (location will close on Saturday, June 15 at 1 pm)
• Don Owens Center, 10 Lower Ridge Road, Conway, AR (location will close on Sunday, June 16 at 9 am)

The following shelter locations remain open to meet the needs of those impacted in those communities and surrounding areas:

Red Cross operated shelters:

• North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow Street, North Little Rock, AR

Red Cross supported shelter locations:

• Swan Lake Fire Station, 14997 Hwy 88 S., Altheimer, AR
• Wright/Pastoria Community Center, 8550 Surrat Rd, Wright, AR

Identification and/or proof of residency is NOT required to be admitted to a Red Cross shelter. Individuals and families are encouraged to bring the following items with them:

• clothing for a few days
• bedding
• toiletries
• essential medication
• a child’s stuffed animal, blanket or other items for your children

The role of the Red Cross in any disaster is to focus on addressing the immediate needs of those affected. The Red Cross is coordinating with community, government and emergency management officials to determine where and when additional assistance is needed, and Red Cross caseworkers are connecting one-on-one with people to create recovery plans, work through paperwork and locate help from other agencies.

Toll-Free Number for Impacted Residents

Call 1-888-244-4023 if you are an Arkansas resident who has been impacted by recent flooding damage and provide your contact information for Red Cross recovery resources. Operators are available 24/7.

How to help:
While the Red Cross appreciates the good intentions of those wanting to donate goods, supplies or other materials, the best way to support is to make a financial donation. This allows the Red Cross to be flexible in using the funds to directly address the needs of those affected. Call, click, or text to give: visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation donate online at www.redcross.org.

To volunteer to assist with this disaster or future disaster, please go to redcross.org.

Designate Safe and Well:
The American Red Cross encourages those in areas affected by severe storms to list themselves as “safe and well” online at https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/. Family and friends may then search for the name of anyone they are trying to locate on this site.

Flood Safety Information:

As residents begin returning home, please remember the following:

Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.

• Keep children and your pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.

Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.

• Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
• Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. When in doubt, throw it out.

Check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, missing support beams or other damage.

• If the door is jammed, don’t force it open – it may be providing support to the rest of your home. Find another way to get inside.
• Sniff for gas. If you detect natural or propane gas, or hear a hissing noise, leave the property immediately and get far away from it. Call the fire department after you reach safety.
• If the weather is dry, open windows and doors to ventilate and/or dry your home.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame, including candles, to inspect for damage or serve as alternate lighting.

For more flood safety information, visit our Flood Information page . For the latest information on Red Cross relief efforts in Arkansas, please follow @ArkRedCross on Facebook or Twitter.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross 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.