How can you help? Flood Update 6.25.08

UNITED WAY 2-1-1

DISASTER RESOURCES AND NEEDS – Wednesday, June 25 9:30 a.m. update

UNITED WAY MISSOURI 2-1-1

VOLUNTEER SAND-BAGGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TODAY (again – needs/conditions change rapidy so please call 2-1-1 or cell phone/out of state call 800-427-4626 before heading out to sandbag)

ST. CHARLES COUNTY:
Sandbagging efforts are underway at the Cherokee Lakes Camp Ground, 3950 Highway 79, O’Fallon, MO 63366

West Quincy: (Marion County) URGENT need for volunteer sand baggers; report to the old drive in theater located at the intersection of County Road 357 and US Hwy 24.

General guidelines for sandbagging volunteers: Bring sunscreen, work gloves and sturdy shoes. Bring a shovel if possible. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian only. It is a good idea to bring insect repellent and rain gear.

SHELTERS:

CANTON: There is a shelter open at Culver Stockton College. If people need shelter, they should call the American Red Cross at 573-248-9079. There is also a special needs shelter set up at a local nursing home.

CLARKSVILLE: Shelter at the Grace Episcopal Church, 105 South 3rd Street, 63336 573-242-3763 (run by the American Red Cross.)

LOUISIANA: Shelter opened at the Elks Lodge, 120 North 5th Street, Louisiana 63353 (run by the American Red Cross.)

KAHOKA: Kahoka Middle School, 427 West Chestnut, Kahoka 63445 660-727-3319

WINFIELD: Winfield High School, 3920 East Highway 47. (run by the American Red Cross)

PALS will provide kenneling for pets during the evacuation.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY: Due to levee break on 6/24, this shelter has now re-opened. (run by the American Red Cross.)

CALHOUN COUNTY, HARDIN, ILLINOIS: There is another shelter opened by the American Red Cross at the Calhoun High School in Hardin, IL

There are shelters on standby in other areas. Persons needing shelter as a result of flooding or evacuation should call the local American Red Cross.

DNR CAMPSITE – FEE WAIVERS: Missouri Department of Natural Resources has waived the camping fees for flood displaced individuals who want to stay in campgrounds within Missouri State Parks. The waiver applies to all Missouri residents who are victims of flooding statewide in designated state declared disaster counties for 2008. Camping will be allowed at both basic and electric campsites on a first-come, first-served basis if available. The waiver will apply for 15 days, after which time each situation will be re-evaluated to determine if the stay needs to be extended. More information about Missouri state parks with campgrounds can be obtained by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-526-7716 (TDD), or at www.mostateparks.com. Must have ID to prove primary residence is in affected area

PET SHELTER:
The Humane Society of Missouri opened a temporary shelter for household pets in Bowling Green, Missouri, at the Pike County Fair- grounds on Highway 54. Persons seeking assistance with temporary shelter should use the east entrance of the fairgrounds; there will be signage directing them to the Humane Society of Missouri’s location. If pet owners are unable to make it to the Pike County Fairgrounds they may take their pets to the Canton Missouri Veterinary Clinic or the Hannibal Humane Society. The Humane Society of Missouri will transport pets from those two locations back to its temporary emergency shelter in Bowling Green. The Humane Society of Missouri is prepared to offer temporary shelter to these pets for up to 7 – 14 days.

DEBRIS REMOVAL
Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued some tips for disposing of items and materials impacted by the flooding. Here is their web site. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm

DONATIONS: MONETARY
If someone wishes to make a donation to the flood response, they can do so and we will see that it is distributed to organizations active in flood relief.

Checks can be sent to:
United Way – Flood Relief
P.O. Box 503485
St. Louis, MO 63150-3485

Please indicate that it is for flood relief. If the caller indicates a particular organization on the call, they should also indicate (mark) on the check or form of payment which organization.

DONATIONS: IN-KIND (NON-MONETARY)
Organizations assisting in disasters generally discourage donations of used clothing in disaster-affected areas because it is hard to clean, sort, pack, transport and distribute. There are other organizations in the community that can benefit from used clothing for non-disaster specific needs such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. The following items were specifically requested by organizations active in the flood response.

WINFIELD AREA (Lincoln County)
FOOD, GATORADE AND BOTTLED WATER, BATTERIES (AA & D cell), FLASHLIGHTS, TOWELS, WASH CLOTHS, COOLERS, PACKAGED SNACKS, JERSEY GLOVES & SOCKS: Lincoln County authorities appealed for donations of nonperishable food, bottled water and other supplies for weary volunteers and emergency officials. Donations may be delivered to the Winfield Ambulance Base at 11 Highland Drive during normal business hours between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.