American Red Cross Shelters Remain Open

LOUISVILLE, KY, MAR. 5, 2012 – The following American Red Cross shelters remain open in Kentucky and Indiana for those affected by this week’s storms.

American Legion

209 S Main Street

Salem, IN 47167

Charlestown High School

1 Pirate Place

Charlestown, IN 47111

                       

Chelsea Church of God

6231 S State Road 62

Lexington, IN 47138

                       

Country Lake Retreat

     815 Country Lake Road

     Underwood, IN 47177

     Morgan Central Elementary School

     3201 Hwy 460 West

     West Liberty, KY 41472

The following shelter locations are closed at this time: Morgan Community Center, Bedford, KY and Laurel County Fire Department, London, KY.

Seven Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles have been out in affected areas providing food and water to affected residents and emergency workers. Over 150 Red Cross workers are staffing shelters and are out in the field helping those in need. To date, the Red Cross has served more than 1,300 meals and snacks. The Red Cross will remain in the affected areas until all of the emergency needs are met.

People can help those affected by disasters like the Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a financial donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

American Red Cross Receives an Individual Matching Gift up to $50,000

Last week, tornado warnings were issued in more than a dozen states and damage across those states is widespread. The American Red Cross continues to distribute meals and operate shelters in Charlestown, Ind., Chelsea, Ind., Salem, Ind. and Bedford, Ky. Starting today, Louisville, KY residents, Mimi and Marshall Heuser, will match .50 cents for every dollar contributed to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services up to $50,000.

By taking advantage of this offer, your gift will enable us to help multiple families and individuals devastated by tornadoes, storms, flood waters, home fires and other large disasters. Our disaster relief program ensures that lifesaving services are available immediately to all people affected by disaster and prepares communities for disasters before they strike.

In Kentucky and Southern Indiana, this string of early spring tornadoes has had the largest local impact since the storms of 1974. This elevated tornado activity comes earlier than usual and means that the Red Cross must be prepared to respond to tornadoes and other disasters year round.

Red Cross shelters are assisting residents impacted by the storms by providing food, water, first aid and a shoulder to lean on. Red Cross volunteers and Emergency Response Vehicles have been on the scene at the hardest hit areas to provide food and water, along with clean-up supplies as people are recovering personal items and continuing clean-up of their homes.

Your donation helps with costs associated with a relief effort and supports readiness and maintenance costs required to prepare before disaster strikes. The Red Cross maintains vehicles, communications systems, warehouses, and adequate supplies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

One thing is certain. Disasters happen. The Red Cross is a charity – not a government agency – and depends upon volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its disaster relief mission. By making a donation to Disaster Relief, you empower us to provide immediate assistance to those affected by disasters down the street, across the country and around the world. You can help people affected by disasters by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. You may donate at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Contributions may also be sent to your local chapter or American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. On rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

American Red Cross Opens Shelters for Residents Affected by Storms

LOUISVILLE, KY, MAR. 2, 2012 – The American Red Cross has opened three shelters in Kentucky and Indiana for those affected by this week’s storms. The following locations are now open.
Indiana:
Charlestown High School, 1 Pirate Place Charlestown, IN 47111
LIDE White Memorial Boys and Girls Club, 1551 M.S.H. Northgate Road Madison, IN 47250

Kentucky:
Morgan Community Center, 147 Victory Avenue Bedford, KY 40006

The shelters offer a safe place to stay, food, minor first aid and a shoulder to lean on. For updated information on Red Cross shelter openings, visit www.redcross.org and click “Find a Shelter” under “How to Get Help.”

People can help those affected by disasters like the Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. 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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Week 15: Pet Preparedness

Earlier this week, the Louisville Area Chapter responded to a fire that completely destroyed a Louisville home. Thankfully, the family was able to escape, but the family dog was unable to make it out in time.

The National Pet Owners Survey compiled by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association in 2011 revealed that more than 30% of U.S. households own a dog or cat. Pet owners know well how quickly a four-legged friend becomes part of the family and how devastating their loss can be.

  

Just as you can help prepare your family for disaster, you can help make sure your pet has the best chance of survival should a disaster take place. In your disaster kit, or in a separate kit, collect items for your pet such as:

• Pet food
• Extra water
• Food/water bowls
• Mediations and medical records in a plastic container

Also keep toys and a photo of you with your pet(s) should you be separated during a disaster. Visit redcross.org for more on preparing your pet for disasters including a video on building your own Pet First Aid kit.

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Week 14: Dining in Disasters

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now, what to do with all of those leftovers . . . . I'm no expert in turkey recipes, but I do know a great way you can re-purpose those left over utensils. You might need a fork or two to help eat all of the food you've been packing in your disaster kit. I'm not against eating with your hands, but having a plate and fork is a little more sanitary. #justsayin –oops! Wrong social media site. Paper towels, napkins and plastic cups can also be useful during a disaster, so if you're out of storage room in the kitchen, go ahead and stock a few things in your kit.

You might have noticed I only focused on one week in this post. Don't worry, I'm not shorting you. Au contraire, next week's post (week 15) will be completely dedicated to preparing for our furry friends.

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