Red Cross Opens Shelter for Families Affected by Floods

UPDATE (May 19, 2018 – 12:00am):  Red Cross Shelter is being moved from Collettsville School to Gamewell Middle School due to flooding.

Gamewell Middle School

3210 Gamewell School Rd

Lenoir, NC 28645

HICKORY, NC (May 18, 2018)…Rain has overwhelmed much of western North Carolina the past few days, and has resulted in some community evacuations. Working with emergency management partners, the American Red Cross serving the Blue Ridge Piedmont has opened a shelter in Caldwell County for families impacted by today’s storms. Red Cross disaster trained responders have been mobilized to provide relief and comfort to families impacted, as well as providing feeding to first responders.

“A shelter has been opened in Caldwell County to provide safe refuge for anyone who has been impacted by storms,” said Scott Loudermelt, executive director, Red Cross Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter. “Our volunteers stand ready to respond should additional shelters or assistance be needed. Flooding can be extremely dangerous, damaging and can be deadly. We urge our neighbors to follow guidance from local emergency management officials.”

SHELTER ADDRESSES

Collettsville School

4690 Collettsville School Road

Collettsville, NC 28611

A second shelter is on standby in Watauga County.

People may check shelter availability and whether a shelter is open on the Red Cross Emergency App. It may be downloaded in your mobile phone app store or you may text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999. For flood safety tips, visit http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.

The Red Cross encourages anyone coming to a shelter to bring the following items for each member of their family:

• Prescriptions and emergency medications
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
• Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
• Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself