Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers are working to support those impacted by severe weather across the Indiana Region. Teams are on the ground, completing preliminary impact assessments and identifying community needs.

The Red Cross is operating a reception center today (Thursday, April 3) until 7 p.m. at Freedom House Church, located at 6607 Providence Drive, Anderson, IN 46013. People who have been affected by severe weather can visit the reception center to meet with Red Cross volunteers, learn about community resources, charge electronics or enjoy a meal or snacks.

Reception Center - Freedom House Church
6607 Providence Drive
Anderson, IN 46013

People who have been affected by severe weather and need assistance can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY More storms could impact the Indiana Region and flood risks remain in effect through Sunday. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe:

During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise.

• Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe.
• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. 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. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.
   

If a tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado, go to your safe place immediately.

• A WATCH means be prepared as tornadoes are possible and you should be ready to act fast. A WARNING means take action now as a tornado is near and you need to move to a safe location right away
• After getting to your safe shelter, use your arms to protect your head and neck. Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your shelter until the tornado warning ends.
• If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or are dangerous.
• Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
• If you are trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
   

If thunder roars, go indoors. Postpone outdoor activities if the forecast calls for thunderstorms. Watch for storm signs, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing wind action.

• Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and move to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Lightning can be dangerous even when you are inside. Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets. Avoid running water as lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines.
• No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are nearby. Sheds, gazebos, dugouts and bleachers don’t protect from lightning or high winds. Avoid taking shelter under a tree as they are often hit by lightning, and you could be injured.
• Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to the closest sturdy building, and take shelter inside. If you are driving and can’t get to a sturdy building, pull off the road and park in a place where falling trees and power lines won’t hit you.
   

RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross First Aid app, so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its five chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross. LinkedIn: American Red Cross of Indiana.