The Red Cross Will Open Service Delivery Site in Reynoldsville Tomorrow
DUBOIS – Since Thursday’s storms resulted in 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. The local Red Cross is now focused on working with its community partners to meet the disaster-caused needs of the local community.
Red Cross emergency response vehicles will continue to canvas affected communities in Clearfield and Jefferson counties, specifically Sykesville, DuBois and Reynoldsville, providing clean-up kits, snacks and water. Additionally, in the coming days, volunteers will meet one-on-one with affected families to provide for their disaster-caused needs.
Earlier this morning, the Red Cross met with nearly 20 other community organizations and partner agencies to discuss working together to address the needs of the affected communities in Jefferson and Clearfield counties. The agencies will be working together to provide assistance to those affected by the flooding in the various communities.
Service Delivery Site
The Red Cross will have a service delivery site open tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Reynoldsville Fire Department, 411 Jackson St. in Reynoldsville. Affected residents are encouraged to stop by the center to meet with Red Cross caseworkers and representatives from partner agencies, who will assess and provide assistance for their disaster-caused needs.
Food for Affected Families
Tri County Church will be providing gift cards for Martin’s Foods, which will be distributed by the Salvation Army to affected families in immediate need for food assistance. Families who wish to inquire about these cards should contact the Salvation Army at 814-371-5320.
Additionally, DuBois Alliance Church, in conjunction with Martin’s Foods, will facilitate a bulk distribution of food to affected families on Tuesday afternoon at the church. The church is also seeking donations of canned goods and other items from the local community. Donations should be made between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., before Tuesday’s distribution event, which will be held at 3 p.m. at the church, 1004 S. Main St. in DuBois.
Clean-Up Assistance
DuBois First United Methodist Church, with Western Pennsylvania United Methodist Church Disaster Response Ministry, is providing bulk distribution of clean-up supplies and coordination of physical labor for those families who need clean-up assistance. Families in need of this assistance should call 814-371-5150.
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.
How to Help
The local Red Cross needs your support for this ongoing response operation and is asking that community members consider making a donation. Donations to the local Red Cross will help those affected by the flooding as well as other disasters in our local community. To make a donation, visit RedCross.org/PA/DuBois or mail it in to the local chapter, 109 N. Brady St. in DuBois.
How to Receive Help
Additional flood safety tips can be found on RedCross.org. For more information, or to request assistance from the Red Cross, residents can stop by the Red Cross Service Center or call 814-371-2750.