(ASHEVILLE, N.C., June 1, 2018) – The American Red Cross continues to provide assistance to families affected by recent storms. As of Friday morning, the shelter at First Baptist Church Swannanoa, 504 Park St., Swannanoa remains open. The shelter opened Thursday at the YMCA Corpening in Marion has been closed.
Relief efforts across several counties in western North Carolina will begin to transition to disaster assessment and begin recovery planning. Teams of Red Cross disaster trained volunteers will begin going to areas identified as being heavily damaged to assess the extent of damage and what type of resources may be needed.
“We encourage anyone returning to a flooded home or a home that has experienced water damage to take precautions to remain safe,” said Alli Trask, executive director, Red Cross Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter. “There are many areas that have a lot of standing water that could be dangerous. In addition, there are still pop up storms in the forecast so we encourage people to continue to pay attention to their local weather reports and take precautions”
FLOOD SAFETY:
Know the difference between a flood/flash flood watch and a flood/flash flood warning. A flood/flash flood watch means a flood/flash flood is possible in your area. A flood/flash flood warning means flooding/flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Follow any evacuation orders.
RETURNING HOME:
For more tips on what to do before, during, and after flash floods or mudslides, visit RedCross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency App. This all-inclusive app lets you monitor more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
HOW TO HELP:
Please click, text or call to donate to the Red Cross to help people affected by disasters big and small. Every single donation brings hope to those in need. Your gift enables the Red Cross to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
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 additional information, visit redcross.org.
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