Red Cross working to have shelters available for victims of Hurricane Laura

Pooja Lodhia Image
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Red Cross officials start getting shelters ready
As Marco and Laura both head toward the Gulf Coast, Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast officials say they will have shelters available if necessary.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- With Hurricane Laura taking aim at the Gulf Coast, the Red Cross is working to have shelters available to those who need it.

They're just waiting to see where to position the shelters to meet the need. Once shelters are available, you can use these three ways to find a location near you:

  • Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
  • Visit RedCross.org
  • Download the free American Red Cross emergency app
  • Meanwhile, 70 percent of employees and volunteers are working remotely, coordinating locations and supplies.

    Others are putting together hurricane kits and pre-positioning relief supplies throughout the Gulf Coast.

    "People are scared, people are frightened. They're calling us and they're calling other partners to find availability of shelters," Marco Bracamontes with Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast explained. "We cannot offer shelters as of now, but we're in preparation with our community and government partners."

    All clients will be required to wear masks and social distance.

    "We are all keeping CDC guidelines in all of our facilities and including the shelters," Bracamontes said. "So, in our emergency kit, please keep a good assortment of CDC supplies like masks and gloves."

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