ST. LOUIS, MO. - The American Red Cross remains on the ground in Southeast Missouri, providing support to communities affected by flooding. Current response efforts are focused on assisting first responders and distributing emergency supplies to residents in impacted areas.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
Over the weekend, Red Cross teams distributed more than 130 disaster relief and cleanup kits throughout the community. Distribution efforts are continuing today to help residents with immediate recovery needs.
As floodwater recedes and conditions become safe for volunteers to access affected areas, Red Cross teams are conducting damage assessments to evaluate the extent of the impact and identify additional community needs.
The Red Cross continues to coordinate closely with local officials, emergency management agencies, and community partners to assess conditions and determine what additional assistance may be needed as recovery efforts progress.
The American Red Cross closed its shelter located at the First Assembly of God Church in Centerville.
How to stay safe after a flood:
- Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
- Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
- Learn how to use equipment safely. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
- Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
If your home was flooded:
- If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
- Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
- Watch out for snakes, insects or other animals that may be in or around your home.
How people can help:
For individuals wishing to assist the Red Cross in responding to community disasters, a financial donation is best. This allows the Red Cross to be flexible in using the funds to directly address the needs of those affected.
To donate, call 1-800 RED CROSS or donate online at www.redcross.org.
Volunteers are also needed to respond to disasters and support many other aspects of the Red Cross mission. To volunteer to assist the Red Cross in responding to disasters, go to RedCross.org/volunteer.
AMERICAN RED CROSS RESPONDS TO FLASH FLOODING IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
ST. LOUIS, MO. - The American Red Cross has opened a shelter located at the First Baptist Church, 2263 Main St, Centerville, MO 63633 following flash flooding in Southeast Missouri.
Individuals affected by the flooding are encouraged to come to the shelter for water, meals, snacks, resources and a safe place to stay overnight. Individuals do not have to stay overnight at shelters. Individuals affected can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance or download the Red Cross Emergency app for shelter updates and resources.
Identification and/or proof of residency is NOT required to be admitted to a Red Cross shelter. American Red Cross services are free and available to all regardless of race, religious beliefs, nationality, or citizenship status.
The role of the Red Cross in any disaster is to focus on addressing the immediate needs of those affected. The Red Cross is coordinating with the community, government, and emergency management officials to determine assistance needed.
How you can help:
For individuals wishing to assist the Red Cross in responding to community disasters, a financial donation is best. This allows the Red Cross to be flexible in using the funds to directly address the needs of those affected.
To donate, call 1-800 RED CROSS or donate online at www.redcross.org.
Volunteers are also needed to respond to disasters and support many other aspects of the Red Cross mission. To volunteer to assist the Red Cross in responding to disasters, go to RedCross.org/volunteer.
CENTERVILLE, MO., OFFICE NOW CLOSED BECAUSE OF FLASH FLOODING
"Good morning,
"We wanted to inform you that the Red Cross shelter in Centerville, Mo. in relation to the flash flooding that hit Reynolds County is now closed.
"The Red Cross will now transition to damage assessment in the area.
"Thank you again for your support!"
- Jay Scherder
Regional Communications Director
American Red Cross Missouri-Arkansas
RED CROSS DECLARES BLOOD SUPPLY SHORTAGE
ST. LOUIS, MO — The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25 percent in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood.
A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see higher demand for blood products during the height of trauma season. On top of that, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives are driving the decline which could put patient care at risk if not reversed.
The most important way to help end the blood shortage is to book an appointment to give blood by using the Blood Donor App visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Click here on Riverbender.com for a full list of blood donation locations.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
