HOUSTON, TX, October 22, 2018 – The American Red Cross, working in close partnership with the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management, has determined the shelter in Coldspring, Texas will transition back to the County Monday at 12:00 p.m. All residents have found alternate lodging and no longer need temporary shelter. The Red Cross will continue to monitor community sheltering needs.

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.

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.

LEARN MORE:  Follow the local Red Cross on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates. Visit our website at http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.

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.