Media Contact: Jennifer Costa
(802) 556-2171 | Jennifer.costa@redcross.org
 

MONTPELIER, Vt., JULY 13, 2023 — With more rain in the forecast and the potential for flash flooding, the American Red Cross is urging Vermonters to be safe and listen to the advice of emergency officials. Do not drive if you don’t have to and stay away from waterways.

More than 100 people sought refuge in four Red Cross and two independent shelters overnight. We are encouraging anyone affected by the storm to stop by our shelters to get information, a hot meal, charge their phone and access other essential support. Overnight stays are not required.

RED CROSS SHELTER LOCATIONS:

• Barre City Auditorium (16 Auditorium Hill, Barre)
• Rutland High School (22 Stratton Rd., Rutland)
• Hartford high School (37 Highland Ave., White River Junction)
• Northern Vermont University – Johnson campus (337 College Hill, Johnson)
  
  

Individuals evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of their family, including:

• Prescription and emergency medications
• Foods that meet special dietary requirements
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Chargers for any electronic devices
• Books, games and other forms of entertainment
• Crates, carriers, food, medication, collars, leashes, toys for pets.
  
  

More than 100 trained Red Cross disaster workers from across the Northeast on the ground in Vermont. They are working around the clock to provide safe shelter, food and emergency relief supplies to those in need. We also have disaster mental health professionals on hand to help folks navigate and cope with the stress of this disaster.

As soon as it safe to do so, Red Cross teams will be circulating in the affected areas, helping with damage assessment and the distribution of emergency relief supplies. We will reach more neighborhoods every day as roads become passable.

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.

• If you evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
• Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
• Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
• Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, rather than candles, to reduce fire risk.
• Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
  
  

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.

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).

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.