April 14, 2023 – Disaster-trained team members with the South Florida Red Cross are helping people after strong storms and heavy rains continue to impact Broward County.

Last night, more than 52 individuals & 9 pets sought refuge in the Red Cross shelter, which has been opened at the Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale.

With the help of community partners, the Red Cross continues to work around the clock to assess the needs of those impacted.

SAFETY STEPS

Be prepared to evacuate quickly and leave the area if local officials tell you to do so. Plan your evacuation route in advance with alternatives in case main roads are closed. Know where you and your pets can stay if you need to evacuate. Anyone in need of a safe place can find open Red Cross shelters by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
 

FLOOD SAFETY Evacuate in advance if you are told to do so.

• Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising 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.
• Head for higher ground and stay there.
• Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates. If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary. Follow evacuation orders and don’t return until officials say it is safe.
• Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
• Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
• If power lines are down, don’t step in puddles or standing water.

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/southflorida or visit us on Twitter at @SFLRedCross .