Red Cross Shelters Open for Residents Affected by Winter Storm Coastal Flooding

WOODBINE — The American Red Cross, in cooperation with its government partners, has opened shelters to assist those affected by coastal flooding during the winter storm.
As of 8:00 p.m., the following Red Cross shelters are open:
• Woodbine Developmental Center, 1175 DeHirsh Avenue, Woodbine, NJ 08270
• Pennsylvania Avenue School, 201 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Russell O. Brackman Middle School, 600 Barnegat Boulevard North, Barnegat, NJ 08005
To find open shelter locations, visit redcross.org/find-help/shelter or download the free Red Cross Emergency App at redcross.org/apps.
What to Bring:
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
• Note – Public health regulations do not permit pets in shelters; service animals are permitted.
Winter Weather Safety:
• If you need to go outside, dress in layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
• Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
• Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
• If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs
• Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Charge cell phones and keep flashlights handy in the event of a power outage.
More information about winter safety is available on redcross.org.
How to Help:
You can help people affected by disasters like winter storms or countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Donate by visiting redcross.org calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
About the American Red Cross in New Jersey:
The American Red Cross provides programs and services to a population of 8.8 million in New Jersey. The Red Cross trains and mobilizes more than 5,800 volunteers who support the delivery of services throughout the state. In New Jersey last year, the Red Cross responded to 889 local disasters, mostly home fires, helping 1,820 displaced families; collected 88,439 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided 3,920 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained 117,088 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. Follow us on Twitter @NJRedCross.