The American Red Cross is assisting those impacted by the severe weather, strong winds, and devastating flooding that impacted multiple West Virginia counties last night. Red Cross workers and partners have been operating shelters in Barbour, Lewis and Upshur Counties by providing personnel, cots, blankets and hygiene items.
When and where it is safe to do so, Red Cross volunteers are helping assess the damage in affected communities. This work will help us to better understand what help families may need in the coming days and weeks. Anyone who has been affected by the storm is welcome to stop by a shelter to get information, a hot meal, charge their phone,e and get other essential support. If your home has been impacted or to find open shelters, rs visit redcross.org/gethelp, download the free Red Cross Emergency app, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (800-733-2767).
The Red Cross declared an emergency blood and platelet shortage on July 13 after the nation’s blood supply dropped 25% in June to critically low levels. Extreme weather across the country has contributed to lower donor turnout. Blood donors in unimpacted areas are urgently needed now—especially those with type O blood—to help rebuild the blood supply and ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for patients experiencing trauma, undergoing cancer treatment, facing surgery or other medical emergencies. Book an appointment to give blood when and where it is safe to do so by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767)
To ensure individuals are staying safe after the flood, follow these safety tips:
Prevent Injuries
- Understand the dangers you may face and keep your loved ones safe.
- Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
- Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
- Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, rather than candles, to reduce fire risk.
- Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
- Learn how to use equipment safely. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
- Cleaning up is a big job. Take care of yourself. Work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
Protect Your Health
- Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department about drinking water safety.
- Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
- If your home was flooded:
- If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold,d and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
- Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.
Take Care of Yourself
- It’s normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety following a disaster.
- Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
- You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990
For more recovery tips, visit redcross.org/flood. You can also download the free Emergency app that provides 40 customized weather alerts with fast notifications, step-by-step preparedness guides, and an interactive map with shelters that is compatible with Apple Watch and Android Wearable devices.
If you would like to help those impacted by disasters like these severe storms, visit redcross.org/donate to provide a financial donation or text REDCROSS to 90999. Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer at redcross.org/volunteertoday. For additional community resources, call 211. If you have been impacted and need assistance, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
