Red Cross Opens Shelters, Assists Local Flood Victims

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News Release: September 18, 2004
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

Heavy rains this morning pounded the Greater Lehigh Valley, causing widespread flooding from Easton to Lehighton.

As of 3:45 p.m., the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley opened three shelters in one of the hardest hit areas -- Bethlehem Township – where families could seek safe refuge from the flooding. The shelters are located at:

• Calypso Elementary School, 1021 Calypso Avenue, Bethlehem
• Donegan Elementary School, 1210 East Fourth St., Bethlehem
• Nancy Run Fire Company, 3564 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem

There, Red Cross volunteers have distributed meals, snacks and beverages. Thanks to the AFL-CIO, about 300 hot chicken dinners were delivered to the shelters. The organization donated the food following a labor walk that was scheduled for today but was hampered by the rain. It is not known at this time how many families will be able to return to their homes. (Further details will be provided as damage assessments are conducted by area fire personnel and police.)

Red Cross disaster services employees and volunteers are working with county emergency management and local police and fire personnel to ensure the safety of families affected by the flooding.

Anyone affected by flooding in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties, should call the local Red Cross at (610) 865-4400.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and thousands of other disasters across the country each year, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make secure online credit card donations by visiting www.redcross.org. or www.redcrosslv.org.