Red Cross Helping Those in Need Following Record Rainfall and Widespread Flooding in Southern Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN, September 27, 2010 –The American Red Cross is lending a hand to those in need in southern Minnesota where record rainfall led to widespread flooding. Red Cross shelters, feeding, emotional support, and comfort kits have reached approximately 3,000 people. Nearly 200 Red Cross volunteers and staff have responded to this disaster.
The Red Cross has served 3,500 meals and snacks, and has also provided safe shelter for more than 100 people. Emergency shelters were opened in Austin, Elgin, Hollandale, Mazeppa, Millville, Owatonna, Pine Island, Rochester, Truman, Zumbrota and Zumbro Falls.
“From the beginning of this disaster we have provided shelter and hygiene kits for families that were forced to flee their homes,” says Melanie Tschida, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southeast Minnesota Regional Chapter.
During the coming days of recovery, the Red Cross will distribute hundreds more snacks, meals, and clean-up kits to families affected by the high waters.
Preliminary Red Cross damage assessment teams have found approximately 5,000 dwellings affected by this disaster. Of these, at least 59 are destroyed, rendering them permanently uninhabitable, and more than 200 have major damage that will require extensive repair.
“Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss,” says Tschida. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that we’re reaching those who need Red Cross services.”
To make a financial donation to the Red Cross to help families affected by this disaster, and others in the United States and around the world, people can click, call or text—visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to local Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC, 20013.
If you’ve been affected by flooding, please take the following steps to remain safe:
- 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 of their supports.
- Watch out for wild animals, especially snakes, which might have come into your home with the floodwater.
- If you smell natural gas 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.
