In response to intense thunderstorms ripping through central Ohio this week, the American Red Cross is opening shelters across the city open to residents affected by power outages, flooding or damage to their homes.
The intense wind and rain have led experts to suspect the weather event was a derecho or tornado. Tens of thousands of people across the state remain without power as trees and high winds took down powerlines.
American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Regional Chief Executive Officer Tonya Craft said there are shelters at the Perry County Fairgrounds, 5445 State Route 37, New Lexington, and at the Scioto Southland Community Center, 3901 Parsons Ave., Columbus.
The night of Aug. 11, 30 people took shelter at the Perry County Fairgrounds, and 18 sheltered at the Scioto Southland Community Center, Craft said. Pets are welcome in the shelters.
“The Red Cross volunteers and employees have been working around the clock since the early morning hours of Aug. 11, when heavy rainfall triggered flooding throughout central and southern Ohio,” Craft said.
Officials are coordinating more shelters in Hamilton and Brown counties and are expected to open by 6 p.m. Aug. 12, Craft said.
The effort to open shelters and provide resources is part of the push by city officials after Mayor Andrew Ginther declared a state of emergency at an Aug. 12 press conference.
The city is also partnering with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective to provide food to residents who had to throw away groceries after their fridges lost power in the storms.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective Senior Vice President of Communications Mike Hochron said his organization has activated their statewide network to support those in need.
Its main foodbank, 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, is fully operational and hasn’t lost power or sustained any damage. The organization has distributors who are delivering food to their partners across Ohio.
“Emergency response is a key part of our work, and every emergency looks different,” Hochron said. “Today, it’s a widespread weather event with tens of thousands of our neighbors without power. But every day, people face their own personal emergencies, and they need just a little bit of help getting food on the table.”
Reporter Lilli Malone can be reached at lmalone@dispatch.com or on Instagram at @lillimwrites.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Red Cross opens shelters across Ohio for residents without power
Reporting by Lilli Malone, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lilli Malone, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
