Story and photos by Bill Fortune/American Red Cross
The Red Cross Shelter at the Lathrop Community Center located at 15557 5th Street in Lathrop, CA 95330 has closed.
As a result of local flooding the Red Cross evacuation shelter remains open at the
Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 1546 N. Soderquist Ave., Turlock, CA. Seventeen people stayed at the shelter overnight Friday.
Congressman Jeff Denham stopped by the shelter to talk with the displaced people. He also brought donations of clothing and shoes that was collected from the community. “We really appreciate the work that the Red Cross has done to help our people,” Congressman Denham said. “This has been a great partnership between the Red Cross, Stanislaus County and the city of Turlock.”
Shelter Manager Nancy Reeves has been at the shelter since the beginning and maintains a “tight ship” for the residents. “We’re here to help them through this ordeal,” Reeves said. “The people we have helped have been very appreciative.”
The Salvation Army has been providing meals at the shelter and Stanisclaus Community Services Agency has been at the shelter helping clients find local resources. Red Cross client case workers and Disaster Mental Health professionals have also been working with each shelter resident to help them determine their next steps.
Water levels continue to rise as swollen area dams and and reservoirs release water causing rivers and streams to stay at high levels. The Red Cross will continue to maintain the shelter at Turlock as long as there are people displaced and in need.Shelter Manager Nancy Reeves has been at the shelter since the beginning and maintains a “tight ship” for the residents. “We’re here to help them through this ordeal,” Reeves said. “The people we have helped have been very appreciative.”
The Red Cross urges everyone to have an emergency evacuation kit, an evacuation plan and to stay informed about current conditions.
Evacuation kits may be purchased from the Red Cross at www.redcross.org or you can create your own from items already in your home. A $10 donations may be made by texting CAFLOODS to 90999. Larger donations may be made by going to www.redcross.org/donate or directly through your local Red Cross chapter.
Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the 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 have special needs
- Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
- Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself
STAY SAFE
With more unsettled weather forecast, the Red Cross encourages people in affected areas to replenish emergency kits, have an evacuation plan, and stay informed. Obey all evacuation orders and do not enter flooded areas. When in doubt: Turn around, don’t drown! Preparedness, response, and recovery checklists for Winter Storm/Power Outages, Flood Safety, and more are available at RedCross.org, by clicking “Get Help” and “Types of Emergencies.”
We urge you to share these Red Cross preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE RED CROSS APP – EMERGENCY
The EMERGENCY app features weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets you use social media outlets to let family and friends know you are okay. The apps include a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.
“I’M SAFE”
In an emergency, letting your loved ones know you are safe can bring them great peace of mind. The Red Cross can help you stay in touch with loved ones after a disaster. All of the Red Cross mobile apps feature an “I’m Safe” button that allows users to post a message to their social accounts, letting friends and family know they are out of harm’s way.
VOLUNTEERING
At this time, the American Red Cross Gold Country Region is fortunate to have volunteers who are trained, ready and willing to support our response to the flooding in our communities. We thank individuals and community groups who are willing to support this effort and encourage them to register to become new volunteers to help with future disaster responses. Learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer and complete the online application.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.
Help people affected by disasters like flood and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
For more updates, follow the Sierra-Delta Chapter of the American Red Cross on Twitter at @RCSierraDelta or the Northeastern Chapter @RedCrossNECal.
Gold Country News and Notes 