After a long Wednesday night of severe storms and heavy rain, American Red Cross volunteers were in the affected communities and meeting with those displaced by flooding on Thursday.
Red Cross disaster action team members are working with those affected in Clive and West Des Moines, and are able to help with immediate needs which may include lodging, food, medications and emotional support. Disaster action team volunteers are specially trained to respond to disasters at any time of day or night.
If an individual or family has been displaced from their home due to severe weather or another disaster, they can call their local Red Cross chapter in Central Iowa at 515-243-7681.
The Red Cross has steps for someone to follow if their community is affected by flooding:
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• If a flood or flash flood warning is issued for someone’s area, they should head for higher ground and stay there.
• People should stay away from floodwaters. If someone comes across an area where water is above their ankles, they should stop, turn around and go another way. If they encounter a flooded road while driving, they should also turn around and go another way. If the car is caught in rising water, they should get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• It is important to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.
• Children are curious and should be kept out of the water.