SEAFORD, DE – June 25, 2006 – More than 30 people are spending the night at a Red Cross disaster shelter in Sussex county tonight. The shelter, staffed by local Red Cross volunteers, was opened this afternoon at Woodridge High School in Bridgeville for those evacuated from their homes by flooding caused by several days of rain. Another Red Cross disaster shelter at Hurlock Elementary School in Dorchester County, MD, and a community shelter at the Federalsburg Fire Station, run by the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, also opened earlier today in response to flooding, but were closed by 6:00pm when the affected families returned to their homes.

The American Red Cross is always on stand-by to provide shelter, food and comfort in multiple communities whenever disasters occur. With rain and possible flooding over the next few days, the American Red Cross will continue to provide vital disaster response assistance for all who need it and urges people to use the following tips to be prepared and remain safe, should additional flooding occur:

BE PREPARED

• Know your area's flood risk. If unsure, check local weather updates or call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. Call your local Red Cross chapter to find the location of any shelters that may be opening.
• If you experience flooding and need assistance, call your local authorities immediately.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing--

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Ready to eat food.
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

KNOW FLOOD TERMS AND WHAT THEY MEAN:

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.