Red Cross to open shelters during Hurricane Sandy

(Undated) -- In preparation of Hurricane Sandy's arrival in central Pennsylvania, the American Red Cross plans to open several shelters across the region.

Some 100 Red Cross emergency vehicles are mobilizing to distribute meals and relief supplies after the storm passes. Thousands of ready-to-eat meals and relief supplies such as cots and blankets are also being sent into the region.

The temporary facilities will open tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. The shelters in school buildings, where classes are in session, will be opened at 3:00 p.m.  People who need assistance are being asked to bring several items: Identification, medicines and medical equipment, pillows, towels, blankets, personal care items, bathrobes, change of clothes, books/magazines, personal care items. For children and infants, please also bring infant supplies such as formula and diapers and items to comfort and entertain the children. 

“This storm is dangerous and it’s critical to follow the advice of local emergency officials. If people are told to evacuate, they need to do it,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross.  "Hundreds of disaster workers are ready with relief supplies and emergency vehicles in place to help.”

To find a shelter, people can visit the Red Cross website, download the Red Cross Hurricane app or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In central PA, the facilities will be located:

• Adams County: Gettysburg Senior High School, 1300 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
• Cumberland County: Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
• Dauphin County: Harrisburg High School (John Harris), 2451 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17103
• Franklin County: Salem United Brethren Church, 4349 Letterkenny Road, Chambersburg, PA 17201
• Lancaster County: Manheim Township Middle School, 150 School Road, Lancaster PA 17601
• Lebanon County: Lebanon Valley Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Rd., Rocherty, PA 17042
• Northumberland County: Shamokin High School, 2000 W. State Street, Coal Township, PA 17866
• Snyder County: Selinsgrove Area Middle School, 401 N. 18th Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870
• Union County: Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School, 2057 Washington Ave., Lewisburg, PA 17837
• York County: Northern High School, 653 S. Baltimore Street, Dillsburg, PA 17019
• York County: York County School of Technology, 2179 S. Queen Street, York, PA 17402

The Red Cross is reminding people to give blood, since the hurricane has led to the cancellation of several blood drives. It's shipped blood products to hospitals in the affected area in advance of the storm as patients will still need blood and platelets despite the weather. To schedule a blood donation or get more information about giving blood, people can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To give blood, someone must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health.