HOUSTON, TX, October 18, 2018 – Working in partnership with the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross serving the Greater Houston Area has opened a shelter for residents impacted by flooding in Coldspring, Texas. Red Cross disaster trained responders have mobilized and are providing relief and comfort to affected residents.

SHELTER ADDRESS:

121 Live Oak

Coldspring, TX 77331

The emergency shelter opened at 8:30 a.m. today

People may check shelter availability and whether a shelter is open on the Red Cross Emergency App. It may be downloaded in your mobile phone app store or you may text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.

The Red Cross encourages anyone coming to a shelter to bring the following items for each member of their family:

• Prescriptions and emergency medications
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
• Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
• Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself

DURING A FLOOD

Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Evacuate if directed. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

Indoor Safety

• Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.
• Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe.
• Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage.
• Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• Don’t use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded until after they have been checked for safety.
• Dispose of any food that has come into contact with flood water. 

Outdoor Safety

• Avoid already flooded areas and areas that are subject to sudden flooding such as dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc. Stay away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
• The National Weather Service reports that nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle related. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams or water covered roads.
• If caught in a flash flood, try to get to higher ground and stay there. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.
• Turn around and find another route if you come upon floodwater, rapidly rising water or barricades.  Barricades are put up by local officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving around them will put you and your vehicles occupants at serious risk.
• Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water. It may be contaminated with sewage. 

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FLOOD

• Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
• Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
• Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
• Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
• If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
• Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk.

• During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
• Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
• Contact your local or state public health department for specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area after a disaster as water may be contaminated.

HOW YOU CAN HELP 

The Red Cross mission is delivered through the commitment and passion of its volunteers. Whether you have four hours a month or four hours a day, there’s a place for you. If interested in joining the Red Cross, discover the possibilities at redcross.org/volunteer.

The Red Cross is able to deploy resources where needed, and to provide services here at home thanks to the generosity of our donors. Anyone wishing to help the Red Cross provide assistance to people impacted by disasters such as tornadoes, floods or home fires may donate at redcross.org, by calling 800-RED-CROSS or by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross is a United Way agency that 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 more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.