SOUTH CAROLINA, August 1st, 2022 –  Disaster trained volunteers from the South Carolina Region of the American Red Cross will deploy to support ongoing efforts in Kentucky after deadly flash flooding. The Red Cross is on the ground focused on providing shelter, meals, comfort and support in the face of the latest severe weather event impacting several communities in eastern Kentucky.  

Eight local volunteers are headed to Kentucky to help with recovery work. Those volunteers include five from the Red Cross Upstate Chapter, two from the Red Cross Lowcountry Chapter, and one from the Red Cross Central Chapter. The region stands ready to send additional disaster workers, as requested.  

As the threat of severe weather wears on this summer, the South Carolina Region is preparing to respond if necessary and offers steps people should take to help stay safe. 

FLOODING SAFETY 

- Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. 

- Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates. If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary.

- Follow evacuation orders and don’t return until officials say it is safe. 

- 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. 

-If power lines are down, don’t step in puddles or standing water. 

YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like floods, wildfires and countless other crises by making a gift to 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. . About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.  The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC