The American Red Cross of Northwest Florida is on the scene in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties to help those affected by the flood.
Emergency shelters are open at:
Bellview United Methodist Church, 4945 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola
Marie Young Community Center, 6405 Wagner Road, Pensacola
Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom Street, Milton
Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview
Choctawhatchee High School, 110 Racetrack Road, NW, Ft. Walton Beach
South Walton High School, 645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach
“In the days and weeks to come, the Red Cross will be coordinating with emergency officials and local community partners to help residents impacted by the flood get back on their feet,” said Jerry Kindle, CEO, Red Cross of Northwest Florida.
The Red Cross offers the following tips for those in the affected area to stay safer:
• Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damages.
• Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
• If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
• When it is safe to return home, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage.
• 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.
HOW TO HELP – Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
Source:
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