Lewiston-Red Cross opens emergency shelter in Lewiston

Red Cross opens emergency shelter in Lewiston

Shelter to provide refuge for Lewiston, Lisbon residents evacuated from homes

 LEWISTON — The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the Conference Center at the Ramada Inn (490 Pleasant St., Lewiston) to provide safe shelter for area residents who have been evacuated due to flooding. This is a Red Cross-managed shelter operating in coordination with the city of Lewiston. The Red Cross is also working closely with Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency and Maine Emergency Management Agency.

The city of Lewiston has closed its evacuation center at Robert V. Connors Elementary School – and those affected by area flooding are encouraged to seek refuge at the Red Cross shelter. Officials are expecting the Androscoggin River to crest overnight. Prioritize safety.

The Red Cross wants to remind Mainers: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over – and 12 inches can carry your vehicle away. We urge Mainers to heed all transportation warnings and obey road closures.

Individuals evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of their family, including:

• Prescription and emergency medications
• Foods that meet special dietary requirements
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Chargers for any electronic devices
• Books, games and other forms of entertainment

The Red Cross is partnering with the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society to welcome pets at the shelter. Pet owners should bring crates, carriers, food, medication, collars, leashes and toys for their pets.

For storm-related assistance, call 1-800-RED CROSS. For additional help or to report damage, dial 2-1-1.

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY

• Use flashlights in the dark — not candles.
• Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out and roads could be congested.
• Turn off and unplug any appliances, equipment and electronics. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment. Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
• If a power outage is two hours or less, don’t be concerned about losing perishable foods. During a prolonged outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to protect your food. Use perishable food from the refrigerator first. Then, use food from the freezer. If the power outage continues beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times.

GENERATOR SAFETY

• If you are using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep this equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Operate the generator on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up by poles. Don’t touch a generator with wet hands.
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.

All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge and made possible by the generosity of the public. To donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters big and small, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. To become a Red Cross volunteer