HOUSTON, TX, September 11, 2018 – Working in partnership with the Texas City Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross serving the Greater Houston Area has opened a shelter for residents impacted by today’s flooding. Red Cross disaster trained responders have mobilized and are providing relief and comfort to affected residents.
“A shelter has been opened to provide a safe place for anyone whose home has been impacted by today’s flooding,” said Henry Van de Putte, Regional Chief Executive for the American Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast. “We are monitoring the situation in the Gulf and our volunteers stand ready to respond should additional assistance be needed.”
SHELTER ADDRESS
St. John’s United Methodist Church
8200 25th Ave N
Texas City, TX 77591
The emergency shelter will open by 8:00 p.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
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.