Shelters Opening in Lee County

The following press release was sent to wspa.com on Friday.
Statewide, September 5, 2008 – The American Red Cross in partnership with local government has made the determination that additional shelters in Lee County will open to provide safe shelter for individuals and families evacuating due to Tropical Storm Hanna.

Fleming Lighthouse Center – OPEN TIME: 8:00 PM, Sep 5, 2008
65 Montgomery Circle
Lynchburg, SC 29080

Lee Central – OPEN TIME: 8:00 PM, Sep 5, 2008
1800 Wisacky Road
Bishopville, SC 29010

As new shelters open or reach maximum capacity, an alert to that effect will be issued to all media.

Families and individuals are advised to bring along basic emergency and personal items that will be needed in the shelters. Such items include pillows and bedding items, essential medications and other health related items, extra clothing, diapers, and a toy or activity for children. Please note that due to state regulations, pets cannot be housed in Red Cross shelters. For information on pet sheltering, visit www.clemson.edu/LPH/emergencypreparedness.htm.

For further information people may contact the local American Red Cross chapter or 1-866-GET-INFO (438-4636). Callers who are hearing impaired may dial TDD 1-800-526-1417.

The Red Cross encourages families forced from their homes to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well web site at www.redcross.org. On this site people within a disaster area can register themselves as “safe and well” by selecting and posting standard messages for friends and family. If you are unable to register, you can ask a family member to register on your behalf. Concerned family members who know the sought person’s phone number (home, cell or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who register.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money form the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. To support the work of the American Red Cross this hurricane season, designate your contribution to Hurricane Season 2008 or Disaster Relief Fund. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.