Media Contact: Jennifer Costa
(802) 556-2171 | Jennifer.costa@redcross.org
BARRE, Vt., JULY 12, 2023 — The American Red Cross remains focused on providing care and comfort to those who have been forced from their homes by historic flooding. Significant rainfall over the last 48 hours, along with saturated ground and full rivers and lakes, has caused serious and potentially life-threatening flooding in multiple parts of Vermont. Dozens of roads remain closed, isolating some communities.
The Red Cross is currently operating three shelters (locations below). Pets are welcome at these shelters. As of 5 p.m. today, the Red Cross will assume management of a fourth shelter from a partner organization. This shelter is located at Northern Vermont University – Johnson campus (337 College Hill, Johnson).
The Red Cross is strongly encouraging individuals to come to our shelters rather than remaining in unsafe living conditions. The Red Cross is committed to providing displaced individuals with a safe place to stay, rest and recharge.
More than 40 trained disaster workers are working around the clock to provide safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies and more to those in need. There will be more than 100 Red Crossers on the ground by the end of the day.
Today the Red Cross toured some of the hardest hit neighborhoods in Barre with Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Congressional Delegation and FEMA officials. Red Cross disaster teams are also helping with preliminary damage assessment and working with officials to determine what other support is needed.
ADDITIONAL RED CROSS SHELTER LOCATIONS:
Individuals evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of their family, including:
For help or for additional information, dial 2-1-1.
The Red Cross wants to remind Vermonters: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over – and 12 inches can carry your vehicle away.
You can help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross is not accepting donations of clothing or household items, as these types of donations divert resources away from our mission.
This significant flooding event is impacting Red Cross blood collection efforts as well. It is estimated that this flooding event will result in approximately 500 pints of lifesaving blood going uncollected and about a dozen drive cancellations. This storm comes at a time when the Red Cross is sending blood donations to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross is asking donors who live in unaffected areas to schedule and keep your upcoming appointments to help prevent a summer blood shortage.
By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To become a Red Cross volunteer visit http://www.redcross.org/volunteerNNE.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.