American Red Cross Opens First Pittsburgh Shelter, Calls On Volunteers in Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

The Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania is also launching its extensive local relief effort during Hurricane Sandy.

Currently, the local Red Cross is gathering and organizing disaster volunteers, packing relief supplies, prepping four emergency response vehicles as well as designating Red Cross workers to be on-call around the clock.

The Red Cross opened its first shelter at 7 p.m. in preparation for possible flooding and power outages in the immediate area. The shelter is located at Shaler Middle School1800 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Shaler. The shelter is open to the public.

To find more shelters, visit www.redcross.org. You also can download the Red Cross Hurricane app or call 1-800-733-2767.

People coming to a shelter should remember to bring the following items:

·Prescription medication
·Valuable papers and identification
·Toiletries
·Change of clothing
·Water, nonperishable foods
·Blankets, pillows and/or sleeping bags
·Baby food and diapers

As the relief efforts continue, the local Red Cross also is asking for further assistance from community members.

Anyone who is interested in assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy should contact the Volunteer Management Team at 412-263-3182.

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