Red Cross Responding To Flooding Throughout Northern Indiana - 8 Shelters Open

Last updated on Thursday, February 22, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The American Red Cross is responding to damage caused by Tuesday evening storms and ongoing flooding across multiple counties in northern Indiana.

Eight shelters are currently open, with meals provided. More than 50 Red Cross volunteers are on the ground in impacted areas providing support. Those seeking to find out more information on current shelters locations, are encouraged to visit: http://rdcrss.org/2vwsuFf.

"We are committed to supporting residents in affected areas," said Chad Priest, Regional CEO for the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross. "We will continue to work together with our Red Cross volunteers and partner agencies making sure people have their basic needs and know the Red Cross will be there."

The Red Cross is currently aware of 300-400 homes that have been affected by ongoing flooding, and volunteers are working around the clock with emergency management agencies and local fire departments to anticipate needs of residents. Those affected by the storms are encouraged to contact the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross at: 1-888-684-1441 or visit: www.redcross.org/indiana.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App: The Red Cross Emergency App provides people with instant access to emergency alerts and life-saving information. Available for smartphones and tablets, it includes content on what to do before, during and after a variety of severe weather events. Users can customize more than 35 emergency weather alerts based on their location and where loved ones live.

FLOOD SAFETY AND CLEANUP: The Red Cross has steps for someone to follow if their community is affected by flooding:

Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice, have an emergency response kit
If a flood or flash flood warning is issued for someone's area, they should head for higher ground and stay there.
People should stay away from floodwaters. If someone comes across an area where water is above their ankles, they should stop, turn around and go another way. If they encounter a flooded road while driving, they should also turn around and go another way. If the car is caught in rising water, they should get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
It is important to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.
Children are curious and should be kept out of the water.
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.
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.
Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater. When in doubt, throw it out!
During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.

The Indiana Region serves 87 Indiana counties consisting of six Red Cross chapters: Central Indiana (Indianapolis headquarters), Northern Indiana (South Bend headquarters), Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne headquarters), Northwest (Merrillville headquarters), Southern Indiana (Evansville headquarters) and West Central Indiana (Terre Haute headquarters). For more information on the Indiana Region: www.redcross.org/local/in. Follow the Indiana Region on Twitter at: @INRedCross, on Instagram at: @indianaredcross or www.facebook.com/INRedCross.

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