12Jul

Red Cross Gets Ready for Tropical Storm Barry

Colorado & Wyoming Responders Deploying to Help

TS Barry at 2:30 PM Friday, July 12, 2019. Photo Courtesy NOAA/NHC

Denver, Friday, July 12, 2019– The American Red Cross of Colorado & Wyoming is sending volunteers to help prepare for Tropical Storm Barry.

The following Red Cross disaster responders are deploying to Beaumont Texas:

Michael Masto – Regional Disaster Officer for the Colorado & Wyoming Region to serve in Operations Management.

Ruthianne McCready – A summer intern for the Red Cross of Northern Colorado will serve as a member of the shelter team. This will be Ruthianne’s first deployment.

Gail Beek and David Schneider – both volunteers with the Mile High Area chapter who were deployed to the south Texas floods in Harlingen have been redeployed, along with the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to Beaumont, TX.

The following Red Cross disaster Responders are deploying to Baton Rouge, Louisiana:

Gingern Hazelbaker – a volunteer with the Wyoming chapter will support sheltering.

Eldonna Sylvia – a volunteer nurse with the Mile High Area chapter currently deployed to support the Kansas flood response will deploy directly to Louisiana to support the Disaster Health Services team.

Julian Delgado – a volunteer nurse with the Mile High Area chapter will support Disaster Health Services.

NOTE: Six disaster responders from the Colorado & Wyoming Region remain in Harlingen, Texas supporting the flood disaster response in south Texas.

Summary

Ten million people are in the path of Tropical Storm Barry, the first tropical storm to threaten the U.S. this year. The storm poses a triple flooding threat to Louisiana with the potential for almost two feet of rain, a storm surge that could go as high as six feet and rivers already dangerously high. The American Red Cross is getting ready to respond and urges people in the region to get prepared now.

The Red Cross is working with partners to mobilize trained volunteers, shelters, relief supplies, vehicles and other equipment to help people along the Gulf Coast. As the storm passes, the Red Cross is preparing to provide shelter for thousands of people until they can return home or find other places to stay.

The Red Cross has shelters open and is working with local officials to determine what other help will be needed after the storm comes ashore. Mandatory evacuations are already in effect in some areas. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can call 2-1-1, visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency App. People should follow their local state or parish news for additional information.

We encourage people who plan to stay in a Red Cross shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.

Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and pre-disaster address.

How Can You Help?

  • You can help people affected by disasters and countless other crises by making a donation to support 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, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

How Can I Find My Loved ones?

Visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell to register yourself or to search for someone.