More than half a million people were ordered to evacuate the U.S. Gulf Coast on Tuesday as Laura strengthened into a hurricane. For those in the path of the storm, it is critical that you listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so.
At the Red Cross, our goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe place to go. Working alongside our partners, we have pre-positioned shelter and relief supplies all along the Gulf Coast to help people in the path of the storm. More than a dozen shelter teams are on the ground and ready to provide assistance.
We have also taken extra precautions in shelters to help mitigate the risk of COVID-19, including:
• Setting up a health screening process for everyone coming into the shelter
• Planning for setting up an isolation care area in the shelter
• Requiring an appropriate face covering for everyone in a Red Cross-managed shelter
• Providing surgical masks, tissues and plastic bags throughout the shelter
• Following social distancing practices as outlined by the CDC and FEMA, as much as possible, by staggering mealtimes and adding extra spacing between cots, chairs, tables, etc.
• Providing additional handwashing stations, in addition to normal restroom facilities
• Increasing wellness checks to identify potential illness, including self-monitoring and checking temperatures of both shelter residents and staff
• Enhancing both cleaning and disinfecting practices throughout the shelters
To find an open shelter, visit
redcross.org or view open shelters through the Red Cross Emergency app. If you don’t have access to a computer or smart phone, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to be connected to your local chapter. Alternatively, try calling 211, if this service is available in your area, or your local emergency management office.
