For shelter information, contact the MS Gulf Coast Chapter at 228-896-4511 and the Southeast MS Chapter at 228-762-2455.

West Harrison Community Center
4470 Espy Ave
Long Beach, MS

Woolmarket Community Center
16320 Old Woolmarket Rd
Biloxi, MS

Gautier Convention Center
2012 Library Lane
Gautier, MS

Emergency evacuation shelters are now open to help residents impacted by the storm by offering a safe place to stay, a hot meal, minor first aid, and a shoulder to lean on.

Satsuma High School
5458 Old Hwy 43
Satsuma, AL 36572

Theodore High School
6201 Swede Town Road
Theodore, AL 36582

For shelter information, to request assistance, or to report damage please call the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter (251) 438-2571.

When reporting to a shelter, the Northwest Florida Chapter encourages residents to bring the following items: personal identification, sleeping bag or bedding, prescription drugs, special dietary items, flashlight, change of clothing, rain gear, infant needs, small toys/games for children, personal snacks and a good book.  Due to health and safety regulations, pets,  alcohol and firearms are not allowed in Red Cross shelters.

The following Red Cross evacuation shelters are available to assist area residents:

Pensacola High School
500 West Maxwell Street
Pensacola, FL

Molina Park Elementary School
899 Highway 97
Molino, FL

Milton Community Center
5629 Byrum Street
Milton, FL

Freeport High School
12615 331 Business
Freeport, FL

Davidson Middle School
6261 Old Bethel Road
Crestview, FL

Red Cross Making Preparations as Tropical Storm Ida Heads toward Gulf Coast

WASHINGTON, November 9, 2009 – The American Red Cross is preparing for Tropical Storm Ida to make landfall along the Gulf Coast, opening shelters in four states.

The Red Cross is opening shelters in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Residents in those states should heed the warnings of local officials, especially if evacuation orders are issued.

Although recently downgraded from a hurricane, Tropical Storm Ida is packing 70 mph winds and heavy rain and is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast Tuesday morning and then turn toward the east. Tropical storm warnings are issued from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle and governors in Louisiana and Florida have declared states of emergency.

“Anyone in the path of the storm should make the necessary preparations right away and also register themselves on Safe and Well if they plan on evacuating,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. “Ida is predicted to drop up to six inches of rain along the Gulf Coast.”

The Red Cross also is urging people who may be impacted by the storm to take the necessary steps to get ready.

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Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are forecast along the Gulf Coast today from Louisiana eastward to the Florida Panhandle, as Hurricane Ida moves toward the coast. Rain accumulations of 1 to 4 inches or more are possible by this evening from New Orleans east through Mobile to Tallahassee.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the northern Gulf coast from Pascagoula, MS east to Indian Pass, FL. A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch is in effect for the northern Gulf coast from Grand Isle, LA eastward to west of Pascagoula, MS, including New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.

At 4:00 am EST, November 9, 2009, the center of Hurricane Ida was located about 375 miles south of Pensacola, Florida. Ida is moving toward the north-northwest near 16 mph. This general heading, with an increase in forward speed, is expected over the next 48 hours. A turn toward the north and an increase in forward speed are expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph with higher gusts. Ida is currently a Category One hurricane, and additional weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. It is still expected to be a hurricane when it approaches the Gulf Coast tonight or early Tuesday. Total storm accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated maximum storm totals of 8 inches will be possible through Tuesday from the eastern Gulf Coast northward into the eastern portions of the Tennessee Valley and the Southern Appalachians.

The Northeast Florida Chapter continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to assist other chapters.

The Northwest Florida Chapter identified 3 risk shelters, placed others on standby, made plans for Mass Care and contacted county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to determine level of additional response.

The Central Panhandle Chapter placed 2 shelters on standby and will deploy shelter teams if needed.

The Southeast Louisiana Chapter contacted local emergency management, placed teams on standby and activated Chapter EOC.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter identified a shelter and will partner with other agencies to assist with feeding.

The Southeast Mississippi Chapter identified a shelter in anticipation of evacuees.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter identified 2 shelters, placed another on standby and staffed the State EOC.

• If you are looking for loved ones on Fort Hood you can visit the Red Cross Safe and Well List. In order to complete a search you will need to know the phone number or address of your loved one.
• If you are on the post, we encourage you to register on Red Cross Safe and Well List so others know you are safe.
• If you have spoken to loved ones on Fort Hood, you can register them on Safe and Well by visiting www.redcross.org.
• Red Cross personnel who work on Fort Hood have been contacted and are safe.
• The Red Cross has supplied nearly 150 units of blood and blood products to Darnall Army Medical Center and Scott and White Hospital. If you are eligible to give blood or have questions about donating, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) to make an appointment or visit us online at givelife.org.
• Scott & White Hospital has additional information about blood donation needs.
• Families seeking more information can call the Army hotlines at (254) 724-4376 or (866) 836-2751.
• US Army is tweeting information.

• You can check the Red Cross Safe and Well List to see if/report that loved ones are OK
• Scott & White Hospital has additional information about blood donation needs
• USArmy is tweeting information

Worcester, MA — H1N1 clinic.

People lined up from 8:00 a.m. on Monday waiting for the clinic to open at 4:00 p.m.

• Red Cross served over 1,400 cups of hot chocolate and coffee as people stood outside.
• An additional 9 volunteers worked inside the clinic at registration and screenings, under our newly signed Memo Of Understanding with the Medical Reserve Corps.

This was the maiden voyage of the Central Massachusetts Chapter’s new Mobile Feeding Unit. The $129,000 vehicle, fully funded by the Homeland Security Council and MMRS, is equipped with a 6 burner stove, grill, refrigerator and 4 sinks!

Arkansas - Major storms produced about 30 tornadoes throughout the state. It damaged homes, flooded roads and provoked the evacuation of residents in the affected areas. Most of the damage was from downed trees, power outage and closed roads. Four fatalities were reported. Major storms produced about 30 tornadoes throughout the state. It damaged homes, flooded roads and provoked the evacuation of residents in the affected areas. Most of the damage was from downed trees, power outage and closed roads. Four fatalities were reported.

The ARC of Greater Arkansas deployed a Disaster Action Team (DAT), opened two shelters, provided MC and bulk distribution to victims in the affected area. Health Services and Disaster Mental Health has contacted the families of the deceased. The North Central Arkansas Chapter sent Health Services and Disaster Mental Health has contacted the family of the deceased. The South Arkansas Chapter deployed DAT, distributed clean up kits, and provided individual assistance to disaster victims. The Southeast Arkansas Chapter deployed DAT and contacted disaster victims to determine if assistance is required.

Disaster Alert

Louisiana – A severe storm system throughout the region caused a tornado to touch down damaging homes and affecting dozens of others in Bossier Parrish Thursday night. The Northwest Louisiana Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team (DAT), opened a shelter, staffed the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC); and partnered with a local vendor to provide food and drinks. The Central Louisiana Chapter provided individual assistance to those affected in the area.

Disaster Alert

Texas – Heavy rainfall caused flooding in the eastern portion of the state that prompted the evacuation of residents in the affected area. The Orange County Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team (DAT), opened a shelter, and staffed the county Emergency Operation Center (EOC).

Disaster Alert

Colorado – A winter storm brought heavy snowfall in Morgan County closing major roadways and downing power lines on Thursday night.  The Centennial Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team (DAT), opened a shelter, and provided food and water for stranded travelers and affected residents.

View entire photo set >>

On September 29, 2009 a tsunami swept across the island of American Samoa after a powerful earthquake hit the South Pacific. Soon after, the American Red Cross conducted relief efforts on the island. Red Cross workers and volunteers began aid immediately. Food and supplies were sent to the island. Hotshot teams were in the field disbursing food, water, pillows, linen, rakes, shovels, baby formula, and diapers. Red Cross partnered with the local government and helped set up yurts to shelter families. Health Services worked with families to assist with funeral expenses; and Disaster Mental Health and Spiritual Care teams were there to lend emotional support. Client casework teams are currently working with victims to help plan the recovery process. Training of local staff continues so the island will be prepared for future disasters.

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Updated Stats:
• Supplies distributed (like Clean up kits): 84,714
• Snacks served: 39,783
• Mental Health Consultations: 3,637
• Health Services Consultations: 1,593
• Red Cross workers involved: 381

Disaster Alert

Michigan – A small plane experienced mechanical problems while trying to depart from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport yesterday. The American Red Cross of Greater Kalamazoo Area sent a Disaster Action Team (DAT) and provided food and water to the first responders. Disaster Mental Health was on standby.