Grant Wood Area Chapter Response Vehicles Provides Comfort for Flood Victims
Red Cross Provides Tips to Stay Safe After a Flood
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The American Red Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter (GWAC) is on the scene in several Eastern Iowa counties to help those affected by the flood.
“In the days and weeks to come, the Red Cross will be coordinating with emergency officials and local community partners to help residents impacted by the flood get back on their feet,” said Angela Jordan, GWAC CEO. “The Red Cross will continue providing mobile feeding through Wednesday and possibly longer to those affected by the flood.”
Monday, July 26, 2010
- A Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) will be taking lunch and supper to Hopkinton then making a longer stop in the Lake Delhi area.
- A Red Cross van will be providing lunch today in Manchester. A limited number of clean up kits are available at the Manchester Fire Department on a first come, first served basis.
- Bottled water is available at the Monticello City Works Building (City Shop).
- Clean up kits are available at the Oelwein Fire Department.
- The Red Cross is anticipating having additional clean up kits available on Wednesday and will send out pick up locations once available.
The Red Cross offers the following tips for those in the affected area to stay safe:
- Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damages.
- 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.
- When it is safe to return home, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage.
- 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.
The Grant Wood Area Chapter proudly serves the residents of Buchanan, Benton, Cedar, Delaware, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington counties. The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission. To help disaster victims please contact the Grant Wood Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at (319) 393-3500 or visit www.grantwood-redcross.org.
