Reservist Beth Shook
leaving Tuesday to work in Staff Services
The American Red Cross is supporting rescue
operations in Colorado by providing food, shelter, relief supplies and comfort
to thousands of people forced from their homes by devastating flash flooding.
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Beth Shook of Cuba, NY is deploying Tuesday to assist
in the flooding response efforts of the Red Cross |
Red Cross volunteer Beth Shook, a reservist from
Cuba, NY will be deploying Tuesday to Colorado, where she will serve as a volunteer
manager in Staff Services.
Red Cross disaster workers are at the Boulder
airport reception center to provide care and comfort as stranded residents
arrive after being airlifted out of flooded neighborhoods and towns. Sunday
night, as many as 1,000 people stayed in 24 shelters across the state.
“The Red Cross is making sure that people in
Colorado get the help they need,” said Richard Reed, senior vice president of
Disaster Cycle Services for the Red Cross. “We’re expanding our relief efforts
as more workers, equipment and supplies arrive – and we’ll be on the ground for
weeks to come helping people recover.”
The Red Cross is working closely with local
emergency management officials, the Colorado National Guard and community
organizations to ensure people get the help they need. More than 250 trained
Red Cross disaster workers are deployed to Colorado, along with more than 20
emergency response vehicles and six trucks of relief supplies. Working with the
Southern Baptist Convention, the Red Cross has served more than 7,100 meals and
snacks.
Government officials estimate as many as 18,000
homes are affected by the Colorado flooding. Access to some communities remains
difficult due to flood waters and damaged roads. As these areas begin to
re-open, the Red Cross will be there to assess the damage, distribute relief
supplies and support a recovery effort that will take weeks and months.
Flooding has also caused numerous evacuations in
New Mexico and Texas and Red Cross workers are helping people in those states,
providing shelter, meals and comfort for those affected. More than 50 people
spent Sunday night in four shelters in New Mexico and Texas. The region
continues to be a relief priority for the Red Cross as more rain is expected in
the area from tropical storm systems over the next few days.
HOW TO HELP People across the flooded areas need help now. The
Red Cross has launched a massive relief effort to help people in Colorado, New
Mexico and Texas and needs the continued support of the public to help those
affected. People can make a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief 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.
SAFETY TIPS If someone’s
neighborhood is affected by flooding, or they are able to return home and begin
cleaning up, the Red Cross has steps they can follow to stay safe. Most
important is that people should avoid floodwaters whether walking or driving.
Turn around and go another way. People should also keep curious children out of
the water. More safety information is available at the link above.
Daylight Savings Time ends early this Sunday morning. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour.
