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The American Red Cross is opening three emergency shelters in Southeast Texas to help those impacted by overnight storms across the region.

The Texas Gulf Coast Disaster Team is working with local and county officials and emergency managers to determine the needs in several communities due to the overnight severe weather.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Empowerment Church

3600 Memorial Blvd

Port Arthur, TX 77640

JASPER COUNTY

First Assembly of God

101 West Trout Street

Kirbyville, TX 95956

TYLER COUNTY

Colmesneil High School

610 West Elder Street

Colmesneil, TX 75938

MORE COVERAGE — Residents describe sound of tornado amid scattered Port Arthur destruction

Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family:

• Prescriptions and emergency medications

• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements

• Identification and important personal documents

• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items

• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula, and toys

• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled

• Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you

• Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself

If you were impacted and need Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-Red-Cross.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP Have safety and first aid information at your fingertips. The emergency app features weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets you use social media outlets to let family and friends know you are okay.

The apps include a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.

Stay informed: The Red Cross has several smartphone apps available that will alert you to National Weather Service warnings for severe weather and flash flooding and provide you with preparedness and safety information.

These free apps are available at redcross.org/apps.

VOLUNTEERING

The Texas Gulf Coast Region of the American Red Cross is fortunate to have volunteers who are trained, ready and willing to support our response to flooding in our communities.

We thank individuals and community groups who are willing to support this effort and encourage them to register to become new volunteers to help with future disaster responses. Learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer and complete the online application.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Red Cross mission is delivered through the commitment and passion of its volunteers. Whether you have four hours a month or four hours a day, there’s a place for you. If interested in joining the Red Cross, discover the possibilities at redcross.org/volunteer.

Help people affected by disasters like severe storms, hurricanes and countless other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Please consider making a donation today. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).