Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

KAYSVILLE, Utah (April 12, 2023) — American Red Cross of Utah staff and Disaster Action Team volunteers opened an emergency evacuation shelter early this morning after flooding severely damaged roads and forced more than 25 families from their homes in Kaysville.

Kaysville officials contacted the Red Cross about 2 a.m. Wednesday requesting assistance as the Orchard Ridge neighborhood was flooded creating sinkholes in the street. Red Cross staff and volunteers opened the shelter in the meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1085 N. 50 E. There were no reported injuries. The shelter was closed late this morning when evacuees were able to return home.

“The Red Cross worked closely with the entire response community in Kaysville – fire department, local government agencies and faith-based organizations – to coordinate relief and support efforts,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter. “Our dedicated volunteers and staff are ready to respond at a moment’s notice to ensure that no Utahn has to go through a disaster alone.”

A clearer picture of Utah’s flood risk is starting to emerge as temperatures rise and the historic snowpack starts to melt. Salt Lake City and Bountiful also had streets flooded today. “We encourage people to be prepared for flooding and to arm themselves with safety information to avoid a tragedy,” Smauldon said.

Three simple steps you can take to help keep your family safe during disasters

1. Build an emergency kit that includes: a gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food, flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants, a multi-purpose tool, and personal hygiene items. Also include copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
2. Make an emergency plan that includes what to do in case you are separated from your family and what to do if you must evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plan.
3. Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work, and go to school; find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Be ready for the unexpected. Download the free App today
To make sure you’re ready for the unexpected, download the free Red Cross Emergency app today. It’s compatible with Smart Phones, Apple Watch and Android wearable devices. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. Learn what to do before, during and after a flood at redcross.org/flood.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.