Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family:

• Prescriptions and emergency medications
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
• Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
• Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself
• Public health regulations do not permit pets in shelters. Partner organizations make every effort to provide pet sheltering close to Red Cross shelters so pet owners can visit their pets frequently. Service animals are permitted and may stay with their owner in Red Cross shelters.

Stay safe 

With more severe weather forecasted through the week, the Red Cross is encouraging people to be Red Cross Ready. That means:

• Assembling an emergency preparedness kit.
• Creating a household evacuation plan that includes your pets.
• Staying informed about your community’s risk and response plans.
• Educating your family on how to use the Safe and Well website.
• Downloading the Emergency App for iPhone or for Android or by visiting redcross.org/apps
• Check road conditions in your area prior to travel.

Share these Red Cross preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.  

For help 

Those with non-emergency flood-related needs are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-866-526-8300.

Volunteering 

Register to become a volunteer. Learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer.

How you can help 

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Gifts enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Contributions may also be sent to a local Red Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.