American Red Cross of Northern New York 203 North Hamilton St.

Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 782-4410

www.redcross.org/nny

Contact: Matt Michael Communications Officer (315) 234-2220 matt.michael@redcross.org

American Red Cross Closes Shelter in Carthage

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (April 18, 2014) The American Red Cross shelter that opened Wednesday night at American Legion Post 789 in Carthage (Jefferson County) has been closed, the Red Cross announced Friday. The shelter at 415 West St. in Carthage was opened for residents who had to evacuate their homes because of flooding along the Black River. A total of three people used the shelter, which was closed after all of the affected residents were able to find other places to stay or return safely to their homes. Although the shelter is closed, the Red Cross will continue to assist flood victims in Northern New York. Red Cross disaster assessment volunteers will visit the areas that were impacted by the floods to determine the damage to the homes. Red Cross volunteers will distribute clean-up kits that include a broom, mop, bleach, bucket, gloves, trash bags and other cleaning supplies to homeowners that need the supplies. Working with its community partners, the Red Cross also received several cases and pallets of bottled water from Pepsi, Price Chopper and Walmart for distribution Friday to flood victims in Lowville (Lewis County) who rely on well water that has been contaminated. The Lewis County Emergency Management office is coordinating the water distribution. How To Help As a non-profit organization, the American Red Cross relies on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors to continue its lifesaving work. To make a donation to the local Red Cross to help the flood victims, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, call your local chapter, or send a check to your local chapter. 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 www.redcross.org/nny.