For Immediate Release: December 14, 2007

Southeast MO Chapter responds to ice storm relief in Missouri

Cape Girardeau, MO-- Disaster relief continues for those left without power in the wake of an ice storm that swept through Missouri early this week.  The American Red Cross has been busy opening shelters and distributing food to weary residents in affected areas.  Currently, 32 shelters remain open.  Shelters and warming stations are being used also as feeding stations for workers and families that are still without power.

Since Saturday, more than 940 persons have stayed overnight in shelters.  More than 5,200 meals have been served at 14 fixed feeding sites where emergency services personnel, working to restore power and remove debris, can stop for a hot meal as well as families whose homes are without power.   Heater-Meals-Ready-to-Eat have been sent to the hardest hit areas. 

With the effects of winter ice storms affecting St. Joseph, Hannibal, Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, Red Cross workers are en route to aid in the disaster relief efforts. Volunteers from Puxico, Caruthersville, Poplar Bluff and the Chapter’s Emergency Services Director responded to the call for help from our neighboring Chapters.

The Emergency Response Vehicle from the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross has also been deployed to assist “outreach” teams visiting neighborhoods to see what assistance is needed for families to be able to return to their homes.  Individuals or families needing assistance are urged to call the Red Cross at 1-866-206-0256 and ask to speak with a disaster caseworker.   

The Red Cross has opened shelters, providing residents with a warm place to stay and hot meals. Financial contributions are still needed to support Red Cross relief efforts.  “Red Cross volunteers aid in the recovery of individuals and families affected by the winter weather," said Cheryl Klueppel, Executive Director of  the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross. "Only with the dedication of volunteers and the public's continued support of the Disaster Relief Fund can we continue to provide lifesaving services during times of multiple disasters."

All American 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 thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Winter Ice Storms, 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 victims of disaster.  The American Red Cross honors donor intent.  If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.  Call (573) 335-9471. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 2430 Myra Drive Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.semoredcross.org.

###

Media Advisory: Local Red Cross volunteers will be available for media interviews when they return from the affected areas in 8-15 days. If you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with any of these volunteers, please call Kessie Hinkle at (573) 335-9471.