MONTPELIER, Vt., JULY 15, 2023 — Today Red Cross volunteers supported two multi-agency resource centers (MARC) in Barre and Ludlow to assist Vermonters affected by this week’s historic flooding. Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing process, and it’s not always easy for survivors to find the help they need. These sites serve as a “one stop shop” for people to learn about available recovery services and programs, get a meal, pick up cleaning supplies and meet with mental health and spiritual care volunteers.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and state senators Rebecca White (D-Windsor) and Dick McCormack (D-Windsor) visited the resource center in Ludlow today.

MULTI AGENCY RESOURCE CENTER LOCATIONS

B.O.R Ice Arena (25 Auditorium Hill, Barre VT 05641)

Ludlow Recreation Center (37 Main Street, Ludlow VT)

With more significant rain in the forecast and the potential for flash flooding, the Red Cross is urging Vermonters to be safe and listen to the advice of emergency officials.

SAFETY TIPS
 

Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads during heavy rainfall. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way. 

• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary. 
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe to do so. Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked. 
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly 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.
• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger.
• 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.  
• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula. 
• Offer help to people who require special assistance including older adults, those without transportation, large families, people with disabilities and the people who care for them. 
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company. 
• If any gas or electrical appliances were flooded, don’t use them until they have been checked for safety. 
• Dispose of any food that has come into contact with flood water. 
• Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.

RED CROSS SERVICE DELIVERY
 

• Since shelters opened, the Red Cross and our partners have provided 379 overnight stays for more than 186 residents in four emergency shelters.
• With the help of partners, a total of 3,458 meals and snacks have been provided.
• To date, 384 relief items, including comfort kits and other supplies have been provided.
• More than 170 trained Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground support recovery efforts, including 22 volunteers who are trained to support health and mental health services, and spiritual care needs in shelters and throughout the community.
  • From the Northern New England Region, 19 volunteers are from Vermont; 27 from New Hampshire and 11 from Maine.
• Preliminary damage assessment teams have completed 183 assessments, with 46 homes destroyed or sustaining major damage.

In the coming days, Red Cross teams will make their ways into even more communities to offer these services.

RED CROSS SHELTER LOCATIONS:
 

• Barre City Auditorium (16 Auditorium Hill, Barre)
• Rutland High School (22 Stratton Rd., Rutland)
• Northern Vermont University – Johnson campus (337 College Hill, Johnson)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

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.
• Due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.

DONATE LIFESAVING BLOOD

Over the last several days, dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled blood drives. We anticipate fewer donors to come out to donate at drives in and around affected areas. Individuals in unaffected areas — especially those with type O blood types — are urged to give blood now to help ensure patients in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood.

• Please schedule an appointment to give blood today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting  RedCrossBlood.org  or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

VOLUNTEER

To become a Red Cross volunteer visit http://www.redcross.org/volunteerNNE.

For additional help or to report damage, dial 2-1-1.

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.