Hurricane Irene is shaping up to become large flooding operation for the American Red Cross.  States are still assessing damage, and some are still awaiting the storm but we expect that people along the east coast will require help for several weeks ahead.  Last night some 500 shelters were open along the east coast from North Carolina to Maine providing respite to more than 27,000 people.  In New England more than 1,800 people spent last night in shelters.

In central and western Massachusetts less than 100 people sought shelter in Red Cross managed or supported shelters, though it is expected these numbers may rise if people are evacuated or are unsafe in their homes.

For residents who do not have family or friends to stay with to ride out the storm and who may be in need of community shelter, the American Red Cross is managing and supporting several regional shelters throughout central and western Massachusetts.  People can find open Red Cross shelters by viewing an interactive Google map at www.redcross.org or by downloading the free Red Cross shelter app for their iPhone from the iTunes store.  A mobile-friendly version of the Hurricane Safety Checklist is now available for smart phone users to download at www.redcross.org/mobile.  In Massachusetts, residents can also dial 211 for information on available shelters.

Red Cross managed shelters are scheduled to be available in the following locations in central and western Massachusetts through Monday morning.  Call 211 for more information, particularly if power is lost and access to television updates becomes limited.  The need for continued services will be evaluated as the storm progress and passes by.

Berkshire County:  Reid Elementary School, 950 North St., Pittsfield, MA
Franklin County:  Greenfield Middle School, 195 Federal St., Greenfield, MA
Hampden County:  Greenleaf Community Center, 1188 Parker St., Springfield, MA
Hampshire County:  Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, 80 Locust St., Building A, Northampton, MA
Worcester County (2 locations):  Tantasqua Regional Senior High School, 319 Brookfield Rd, Fiskdale, MA; Northbridge High School, 427 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville, MA

The American Red Cross is also supporting community run shelters in the following locations:

Monson, MA:  Quarry Hill Community School, 43 Margaret St., Monson, MA
Worcester, MA:  Worcester Vocational High School, 1 Skyline Drive, Worcester, MA

If you are evacuating and heading to a shelter, bring extra clothing, pillows, blankets, prescriptions, and emergency medication, personal hygiene items, and important documents. Don’t forget special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys, along with other items for family members who are elderly or disabled. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed at Red Cross shelters and be sure to make adequate arrangements for your pets.

It’s important that those affected by the storm stay in contact with loved ones and the Red Cross Safe and Well website can help them do that. Safe and Well is a secure, easy-to-use online tool to help families connect in an emergency. People can register by visiting the Red Cross web site or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross disaster preparedness starts long before a hurricane makes landfall, beginning with keeping supplies and equipment on stand-by all year to help people in need. On average, the Red Cross spends about $450 million on disaster relief every year. If someone would like to support Red Cross disaster efforts, they can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or sending contributions to their local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.