[BATON ROUGE, LA] June 20, 2026 — The American Red Cross is opening an emergency shelter in Opelousas in response to mandatory and voluntary evacuations across St. Landry Parish. Local officials are preparing for major flooding as high water from Avoyelles Parish moves into local waterways over the coming days.

“As water levels rise and threaten local communities, your Red Cross stands ready to serve,” said Micah Nicholas, Executive Director of the Capital Area West Chapter.  “We encourage everyone in low-lying or vulnerable areas to finalize their safety plans now, follow all evacuation orders from local officials, and know exactly where to find Red Cross resources.”

Red Cross Shelter:

• Parish: St. Landry Parish
• Location: Yambilee Building
• Address: 1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas, LA 70570
• ·Opening Date and Time: Open Now

To find an open shelter, visit redcross.org/shelter, check the free Red Cross Emergency App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Anyone planning to stay in a Red Cross shelter should bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents, and other comfort items. Please include special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys.

If applicable, residents should also bring durable medical equipment and assistive technology. While the Red Cross can provide medical equipment or assistive technology loaners, it may take time to deliver them to the shelter depending on inventory and local road conditions.
 

DOWNLOAD THE EMERGENCY APP

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to access real-time shelter information, flood tracking, and safety alerts for more than 35 different emergency situations. Search "American Red Cross" in your smartphone’s app store or visit redcross.org/apps.
 

FLOOD SAFETY INFORMATION

People living in the path of rising waters should listen closely to local officials and obey all evacuation orders immediately. Do not wait for the water to surround your home before deciding to leave.
 

• Turn Around, Don't Drown! Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. As little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches of moving water can carry away most cars.
• Know Your Alerts: A Flood Watch means flooding is possible in your area. Be prepared to move to higher ground quickly. A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or imminent. Take immediate action to protect your life.
• Prepare to Evacuate Fast: Keep your car's gas tank full in case an immediate evacuation notice is issued. Keep your emergency "go-kit" by the door.
• Build an Emergency Kit: Ensure your kit contains at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, critical medications, and copies of important documents.
• Protect Your Pets: Bring pets indoors immediately and maintain direct control of them. Prepare a pet emergency kit with sturdy leashes, carriers, food, water, bowls, and a photo of you with your pet in case you are separated.

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 X (formerly Twitter) at @RedCross.