Map of Flood Shelters (click to enlarge)

The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) continues to help residents of Orange and Sullivan Counties, where severe flooding has occurred.

The latest update as of 4 p.m., June 30, 2006:

• ARC/GNY operations are located at the Monticello Community Center, 2 Jefferson Street in Monticello, where it is coordinating services with various organizations, including the Office of Emergency Management from both Orange and Sullivan.
• ARC/GNY's Mobile Command Center, a state-of-the-art vehicle customized to meet the unique disaster response requirements of the Greater New York area, is operating at this location. The chapter"s HUMMER, recently donated by the GM Foundation, is operating to navigate rough terrain and help residents in the affected area.
• A Red Cross service center for residents has been open all day at the Monticello Community Center location and will operate as long as services are required.
• Red Cross personnel are traveling throughout the affected areas of Orange and Sullivan to provide water, meals, ice and other services. This will continue for the next several days.
• Red Cross shelter update:

LOCH SHELDRAKE (Loch Sheldrake Senior Center, 1280 Rt. 52, Sullivan County). This shelter remains open. Current shelter population of nine (9) people. At peak on Wednesday, June 28, approximately 60 people were at the shelter.

ELDRED: (Eldred Junior/Senior High School, 600 Rt. 55, Sullivan County). This shelter closed Thursday, June 29. Approximately 600 people (approximately 450 children and 150 adults) from a local Jewish camp had arrived late Wednesday, June 28. The Red Cross accommodated their religious and dietary requirements, including providing kosher meals and having additional kosher meals ordered and available.

LAKE HUNTINGTON: (Sullivan West High School, 6604 State Route 52, Sullivan County). This shelter closed Thursday, June 29. At peak on Thursday, June 29, approximately 33 people were at the shelter.

PORT JERVIS: (Port Jervis High School, 10 Rt. 209, Orange County). This shelter closed Friday, June 30. At peak on Thursday, June 29, approximately 230 people were at the shelter.

• Approximately 50 staff and volunteers from ARC/GNY are on location in Orange and Sullivan Counties. Approximately 25 staff and volunteers managing operations at ARC/GNY headquarters in Manhattan.
• Twenty-one (21) Red Cross vehicles have been deployed, including three (3) Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) for bulk distribution. Flood kits (to clean and disinfect homes after flood waters recede), water, regular and kosher meals, additional cots/blankets have been sent to the area. The chapter also provides residents with information that will help guide their safe return to their homes.
• To date, more than 2,200 meals have been served since Wednesday.
• ARC/GNY is supporting (cots, blankets, supplies) the New York City Department of Sanitation, which is deploying heavy equipment upstate.
• ARC/GNY also is supporting nearby communities by delivering supplies to Binghamton.
• ARC/GNY is conducting damage assessment and reviewing logistics to determine requirements for ongoing services.              

ARC/GNY will continue to provide free vital disaster response assistance for all who need it in the affected communities. Residents who require assistance should call local authorities immediately.

To help those affected by the flooding in Orange and Sullivan Counties, financial contributions can be made to the American Red Cross in Greater New York by calling 1-877 RED CROSS, or online at www.nyredcross.org.

Learn how to be more prepared with our online Flooding Safety Guide.