Red Cross continues relief operation for Wiregrass floods
Rain has ended, but need still persists
DOTHAN, Ala. (April 3, 2009) – The rains may have ended in southeast Alabama, but the need for help is still great. To help meet that need volunteers with the American Red Cross continue to fan out across the region to provide personal hygiene items, clean-up kits, emotional support, and snacks to individuals and families coping with the mess left behind.
Overnight, Thursday, April 2, the Red Cross operated a shelter at Westgate Park in Dothan for residents whose homes were affected by the flood waters and needed a safe, warm, dry place to stay, in addition to providing feeding services for those working in the clean-up efforts.
“We provided 98 meals for dinner last night and we operated the shelter at Westgate Park for people who needed a place to stay,” said Dan Chandler, mass care manager for the Red Cross disaster relief operation in Dothan. “Throughout the day we served 220 snacks throughout Houston and Geneva County to those who were working hard to clean up their homes and businesses after the flood.”
In addition to Thursday’s activity, the Red Cross continues to provide service throughout the affected areas of Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva and Houston Counties.
“Disaster Assessment crews remain active today (Friday) in Houston and Geneva Counties,” Chandler said. “Our emergency response vehicle (ERV) is in Geneva and Samson today dropping off clean-up supplies and bulk materials.”
As the operation continues, the Red Cross is ready to re-open shelters if the need arises. Two shelters in Houston County remain on stand-by – one at Westgate Park and the other at Wiregrass Park.
Since the disaster began on Thursday, March 26, more than 200 people throughout Covington, Geneva and Houston Counties have been provided emergency assistance, including sheltering, feeding, hygiene and personal items, cleaning supplies, and emotional support.
