Red Cross Opens Shelters in North Louisiana for Evacuees

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 – The American Red Cross has opened emergency shelters across North Louisiana to assist those affected by ongoing floods. Red Cross workers are providing a safe place to sleep, food and emotional support for those with immediate, disaster-caused needs. The Red Cross is working with parish officials and partners across North Louisiana regarding other needs and shelters to open.

The following Red Cross managed or supported shelters are open:

Bossier Parish

Bossier Civic Center – 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, La. 71111

Caddo Parish

Southern University-Shreveport Gym – 3050 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Shreveport, La. 71107

Ouachita Parish

Henrietta Johnson Center – 2800 Burg Jones Lane, Monroe, La. 71202Liller Marbles Recreation Department – 2950 Renwick St., Monroe, La. 71201West Monroe Sports Complex – 802 S. Fifth St., West Monroe, La. 71291

Natchitoches Parish

Martin Luther King Recreation Center – 660 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Natchitoches, La. 71457

Lincoln Parish

Trinity Methodist Church – 1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston, La. 71270

Richland Parish

Rayville Civic Center, 706 Louisa St., Rayville, La. 71269

Union Parish

Willie Davis Jr. Recreation Center – 116 Cox Ferry Road, Farmerville, La. 71241

Working with parish officials, the Red Cross is assisting with reception centers:

Desoto Parish

Stonewall Community Center – 5208 Highway 3276, Stonewall, La., 71078

City or community-run shelters are open in the Monroe area: Saul Adler Community Center, 3900 Westminster Ave., Monroe, La. 71201; St. Andrews, 143 Church St., Sterlington, La. 71280.

“Our thoughts and sympathy are with all those impacted by these relentless storms,” said Kay W. Wilkins, chief executive of the Red Cross in Louisiana. “Red Cross disaster teams are helping now and will continue to help for weeks to come.”

Anyone evacuating should bring essential items for each member of the family:

Prescriptions and emergency medicationsFoods that meet unusual dietary requirementsIdentification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort itemsSupplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toysSpecial items for family members who are elderly or disabledChargers for any electronic devices you bring with youBooks, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself

STAY SAFE

With more severe weather forecasted through the week, the Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare.

Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankle, stop, turn around and go another way. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Keep children and pets out of the water, as they are curious and can be harmed by flowing or contaminated water.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

For more information on what to do before, during and after a flood, please visit redcross.org/prepare/disaster/flood.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID APPS

Have safety and first aid information at your fingertips. The Red Cross Emergency app features weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets you use social media outlets to let family and friends know you are okay. The apps include a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.