People Can Visit Multi-Agency Resource Center in Midland for Flood Assistance

DETROIT, MI – JUNE 29, 2017 – Six days after heavy rains caused flooding in Central Michigan, the American Red Cross continues to help the people affected by providing meals and recovery guidance. Trained Red Cross disaster workers are available at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) to inform people about available resources and the recovery process. The MARC, located at the Midland County ESA, 3917 Jefferson Avenue, Midland, MI 48640 brings together multiple community agencies with various resources to assist people as they begin to create their personal recovery plans.

“People often discover new challenges and layers of paperwork that are required, as they go through clean-up and recovery, and we want them to know that the Red Cross is still here to help them as they go through the process,” said Ian Dyar, Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation Director for the Flood Response. “During the first days and weeks after a disaster, people may be focused on immediate needs like cleaning out their home. Later, they may discover that they need help replacing documents or filing insurance claims, but don’t know where to start. Or they may realize they are struggling to cope emotionally and need help. Whatever the need, the Red Cross is here to help meet it.”

Hours of Operation at the MARC – Midland County ESA,  3917 Jefferson Ave., Midland, MI

  • Thursday, June 29th 10-7
                     Thursday, July 6th 10-7
  • Friday, June 30th, 10-7                          Friday, July 7th 10-7
  • Saturday, July 1st 10-2                          Saturday, July 8th 10-2
  • Wednesday, July 5th 10-7

Several emergency response vehicles are driving through flood-damaged neighborhoods, delivering food, water, and clean-up supplies such as buckets, bleach, mops, brooms, gloves, masks, and garbage bags. Food is also available at the MARC during hours of operation.

STAY SAFE

As people begin to clean up, the Red Cross encourages people to remember the following safety tips:
Cleaning and Repairing Your Home

  • Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.
  • Learn more about how to clean up after a flood, including the supplies you’ll need, how to sanitize food contact surfaces, and how to repair water damage.
  • Be careful when moving furnishings or debris, because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
  • Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
  • Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.
  • Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
  • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.

We urge you to share these Red Cross safety tips with every member of your household.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP

Stay informed: The Red Cross has several smartphone apps available that will alert you to National Weather Service warnings for severe weather and flash flooding and provide you with preparedness and safety information. These free apps are available through your smart phone app store or at www.redcross.org/mobile-apps.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

Help people affected by disasters like floods and countless other crises by making a gift to 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. Visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

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.