The American Red Cross has open emergency shelters across Louisiana to assist those affected by ongoing floods. More than 650 people spent Friday night in Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana. The threat of more rain and flooding is expected to continue through the weekend as additional residents arrive at shelters. Red Cross workers are providing a safe place to sleep, food and emotional support for those with immediate, disaster-caused needs. The Red Cross is working with parish officials and partners regarding other needs and shelters to open.
The following Red Cross managed or supported shelters were open overnight:
Bossier Parish
Bossier Civic Center – 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, La. 71111
Caddo Parish
Southern University-Shreveport Gym – 3050 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Shreveport, La. 71107
Caldwell Parish
Caldwell Parish Community Center – 6539 Highway 165 South, Duty Ferry, La. 71418
Grant Parish
Grant Civic Center – 1290 Main St., Colfax, La. 71417
Lincoln Parish
Trinity United Methodist Church – 1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston, La. 71270
Livingston Parish
First United Methodist Church of Denham Springs – 319 Mattie St., Denham Springs, La. 70726
Morehouse Parish
First Baptist Church Family Life Center – 560 E. Madison Ave., Bastrop, La. 71270
Ouachita Parish
Henrietta Johnson Center – 2800 Burg Jones Lane, Monroe, La. 71202
Liller Marbles Recreation Department – 2950 Renwick St., Monroe, La. 71201
Emily P. Robinson Center – 3504 Jackson, Monroe, La. 71202
Saul Adler Community Center – 3900 Westminster Ave., Monroe, La. 71201
West Monroe Sports Complex – 1802 N. Seventh St., West Monroe, La. 71291
St. Tammany Parish
Fendlasson Community Center – 13296 Highway 40, Folsom, La. 70437
Tangipahoa Parish
Eagle Heights Church – 47318 Rufus Bankston Road, Tickfaw, La. 70466
Kentwood High School – 603 Ninth St., Kentwood, La. 70444
Loranger High School – 19404 Hiatt St., Loranger, La. 70446
Union Parish
Willie Davis Jr. Recreation Center – 116 Cox Ferry Road, Farmerville, La. 71241
Washington Parish
Franklinton High School – 1 Demon Circle, Franklinton, La. 70438 (Note: Tentatively scheduled to close Sunday morning based on shelter needs of residents.)
Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church – 510 Avenue B, Bogalusa, La. 70427 (Note: Tentatively scheduled to close Sunday afternoon based on shelter needs of residents.)
West Carroll Parish
Thomas Jason Lingo Community Center – 10284 Highway 17 South, Oak Grove, La. 71263
Community-run shelters are open:
Rayville Civic Center – 706 N. Louisa St., Rayville, La. 71269
Covington High School – 73030 Lion Drive, Covington, La. 70433
Shell Training Center – 23260 Shell Lane, Robert, La. 70455
First United Methodist Church of Minden – 903 Broadway, Minden, La. 71055
“Our thoughts and sympathy are with all those impacted by these relentless storms,” said Kay W. Wilkins, chief executive of the Red Cross in Louisiana. “Red Cross disaster teams are helping now and will continue to help for weeks to come.”
Anyone evacuating 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
STAY SAFE
With more severe weather forecasted through the week, the Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare.
Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankle, stop, turn around and go another way. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
Keep children and pets out of the water, as they are curious and can be harmed by flowing or contaminated water.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
For more information on what to do before, during and after a flood, please visit redcross.org/prepare/disaster/flood.