BOSTON — The Red Cross is supporting emergency shelters in Massachusetts for residents unable to shelter safely at home during this Nor’Easter.

Red Cross shelters are open to the public in Plymouth (Plymouth North High School, 41 Obery St), Weymouth (Weymouth HS, 1 Wildcat Way) Barnstable (Barnstable Intermediate School, 895 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis) and Pawtucket (Joseph Jenks Middle School, 350 Division St). Additional shelter locations may be found via the free Red Cross Emergency app, updated in real time. Pets are welcome at Red Cross shelters.

The storm has also forced the cancellation of blood drives around Eastern Massachusetts and the temporary closure of fixed site blood donation centers. The Red Cross estimates more than 480 units of blood have gone uncollected in Massachusetts already, and those losses are expected to continue.

“As soon as it is safe to travel, we encourage everyone to consider giving blood or platelets,” said Holly Grant, CEO of the Massachusetts region. “We’re still experiencing a national blood shortage and this weather won’t help. Especially if you are in an unimpacted area, please give blood or platelets to prevent disruptions in patient care.”

The platelet supply is especially vulnerable to cancellations due to platelet’s short shelf life. Platelets cannot be frozen and must be transfused within five days of collection.

Red Cross blood donor centers are open in Boston, Bedford, Danvers, Dedham, Framingham, Worcester and Springfield, but remain closed in Kingston, Weymouth and Raynham due to storm impacts. Appointments are strongly encouraged, by using the free Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting RedCrossBlood.org

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/MA or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media: @RedCrossMA on Instagram and X, Red Cross of Massachusetts on Facebook and LinkedIn, @AmericanRedCross on TikTok.