Nearly 200 Affected Residents Sought Refuge in Red Cross Shelters Thursday Night
DUBOIS – In response to heavy rain and major flooding in Clearfield and Jefferson counties, the American Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania has been on the ground, providing assistance to affected residents. Heading into the weekend, the local Red Cross will be assessing damage in the area, meeting individually with affected families to assess their needs and distributing clean-up supplies, heater meals, water and snacks.
Red Cross emergency response vehicles began mobile distribution in affected communities in Clearfield and Jefferson counties today and will continue with those efforts tomorrow. Additionally, in the coming days, volunteers will meet one-on-one with affected families to provide for their disaster-caused needs.
Local Red Cross volunteers were on-the-ground overnight staffing two shelter locations. The shelter sites included Dubois High School located at 425 Orient Ave. in DuBois and Sigel Community Center located in Sigel, Jefferson County. Nearly 200 affected individuals sought refuge in those shelters overnight Thursday. The Sigel shelter has since closed, but the DuBois shelter will remain open tonight.
In the coming days, the Red Cross will also be working closely with local government officials and partner agencies to work together in addressing the needs of the affected communities in Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
Flood Recovery Tips
- Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
- Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
- Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
- 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.
- Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk.
- 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.
Additional flood safety tips can be found on RedCross.org. For more information, or to request assistance from the Red Cross, call 814-371-2750.
