American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Red Cross Moving Supplies and Workers to South Texas as Hurricane Alex Nears the Coast
Flooding a big concern in the Rio Grande Delta

Editorial note: Call (202) 303-5551 to speak with an American Red Cross spokesperson on the ground.Visit the Red Cross Disaster Online Newsroom for flood preparedness and response information, including photos, audio, and press releases. Downloadable b-roll is available at redcross.org in the media resources section.

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2010 – As Hurricane Alex churns through the Gulf of Mexico toward south Texas and Mexico, the American Red Cross is positioning workers, shelter and feeding equipment and emergency vehicles in Texas.

The storm is bringing strong winds and torrential rain to the area, and coastal residents are being evacuated, as well as crews on oil rigs and platforms in the area. An additional concern is that the Rio Grande delta region is prone to flood during heavy rain.

“We could see significant flooding from this storm, forcing people to stay in our shelters for longer periods,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services. “People should take any evacuation orders seriously and leave when told to do so.”

The American Red Cross is supporting 20 shelters for those who may have to evacuate and has sent in 2,000 cots, blankets, and kits containing personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, wash cloths, shampoo, razors and shaving cream. As many as 17 Emergency Response Vehicles have been deployed to the area, and eight additional vehicles and crews are on stand-by. Kitchen equipment is also on the way from the Red Cross warehouse in San Antonio.

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