Red Cross Provides Tips to Stay Safe

New Orleans, LA  December 14, 2009 – In response to flash flooding that occurred in the metro region the Southeast Louisiana Chapter has been in contact with local emergency management, Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers and staff to provide assistance to any residents requiring cleaning supplies due to water entering their homes.  Volunteers distributed 26 clean-up kits to residents in Jefferson, Orleans and St. John the Baptist Parishes.  Volunteers drove through areas reporting flooding to assess damage and offer assistance to those who had water in their homes.

"The Red Cross will continue clean-up kit distribution, damage assessment, and casework as long as needed." said Kay Wilkins, CEO of the Southeast Louisiana Chapter.

The Red Cross urges those affected to contact their parish office of emergency management.  The Southeast Louisiana Chapter is working with parish officials to provide affected residents with assistance as needed.

The Red Cross offers the following tips for those affected by the recent flooding:

  • 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 Red Cross offers the following reminders on how to stay safe during flooding:

  • 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.
  • The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission. To help disaster victims please contact the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross at 504-620-3105 or visit www.arcno.org.