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Red Cross assists Texas residents returning to their homes
Allen Crabtree, Special to RedCross.org
Wednesday, July 04, 2007 — After more than a week of record rainfall that swelled rivers over their banks and flooded communities throughout Texas, flood waters have slowly begun to recede in some areas. This has allowed some evacuated residents to return to their homes and to begin the difficult job of cleanup. Residents of the Wrangler's Retreat neighborhood west of Wichita Falls were forced to evacuate when the Wichita River reached record levels, exceeding the record set in 1941. By Monday flood waters had receded enough to allow some of the residents back to their homes. The Red Cross was there to provide much needed support.
American Red Cross volunteers were there when residents of Wranglers Retreat subdivision began returning to their flood-damaged homes. Robert Giles (l) describes how he and his family evacuated from their home to escape flooding.
Photo credit: Allen Crabtree, American Red Cross
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"The water rose slowly so we had time to leave our home for higher ground before the mandatory evacuation order was issued," said Wrangler's Retreat resident Robert Giles. "The river flooded before, in 1987, so we kept a close watch on the water levels and were prepared to leave while we could still do so."
The only dry spot on his property was his driveway, and water still surrounded his home. Giles, in rubber boots and shorts, described his ordeal and the daunting task ahead of him to Red Cross volunteers who delivered cleaning supplies, water and a sympathetic ear to Giles and his neighbors.
"We've got a lot of work ahead of us to clean out the place. The carpet is ruined and I think we've got some appliances that have been ruined," Giles said. "Also, after wading around in the flood waters I am very concerned about tetanus. We're going out to get a tetanus shot, just to be on the safe side."
Flood water contamination a health concern
This was a common site as American Red Cross workers began providing supplies to returning Wranglers Retreat subdivision residents.
Photo credit: Allen Crabtree, American Red Cross
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The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District notified residents to be cautious as they return to their homes and strongly recommended that they stay out of flood waters. Health dangers exist from contaminated waters, which could contain fuel, pollution, toxic chemicals, snakes, and unseen hazards. Health officials recommended thoroughly washing any part of your body exposed to floodwaters, and washing your hands before eating.
Tetanus is a particular concern, and the Health District urged residents to get an injection if they have not had one in the last few years. Tetanus causes significant - and painful - muscle spasms, and can lead to a condition called "lockjaw," which keeps patients from opening their mouths or swallowing.
Red Cross provides support
The Red Cross has opened shelters in Wichita Falls for people forced from their homes by the flooding, and is providing other support to flood victims as well including hot meals, cleaning supplies, snacks and mental health counseling. The total number of homes and people affected is not yet known, but Red Cross teams are in the area conducting damage assessment as they are able to enter the flooded areas. According to preliminary information gathered by the Wichita Falls Fire Department the flooding has affected 400 homes in the city and left with many more without power. Some homes in the Wichita Falls area were flooded with up to four feet of water.
The American Red Cross of North Central Texas Chapter Board Chairman Woody Gossom toured the Wrangler's Retreat neighborhood on Monday as residents began returning to their homes there. "The Red Cross is here to help," he said. "Flooding hurts - a lot, but we understand and the Red Cross will be here to help our friends and neighbors through this very difficult time."
Allen Crabtree is a volunteer from the Southern Maine Chapter of the American Red Cross and lives in Sebago, Maine where he is a writer, antiquarian book dealer, blueberry farmer, Chair of the town Board of Selectman, and volunteer fire fighter.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, 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. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. 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.
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