The American Red Cross of Central Louisiana is working with local officials in the parish to determine specific emergency needs and encourages everyone to stay informed and to take the proper safety precautions. If you are unable to access or stay at your residence due to rising flood waters, please call your American Red Cross at 318-442-6621 or toll free at 1800-259-2777 for available emergency shelter information.
Red Cross volunteers are needed. Volunteers are asked to call 318 442-6621 ext 411 to notify the Red Cross of your availability to volunteer.
Flood Facts
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low- lying area.
You should know the difference between…..
Flood/Flash Flood Watch—Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area.
Flood/Flash Flood Warning—Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
The Red Cross urges residents to exercise caution and to follow safety precautions:
· Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the NationalWeather Service (NWS).
· Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
· When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
· Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
· 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 out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
· Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
· Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood
· Insurance ProgramWeb site at www.FloodSmart.gov.
See the complete flood safety facts attached or visit www.cenlaredcross.org
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission. Each year, the Central Louisiana Red Cross serves thousands of Central Louisianans through disaster response, life-saving training, and support for our Armed Services. You may make a donation or volunteer by calling 318 442-6621 or online at www.CenlaRedCross.org.
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