BH Red Cross Steps Up
Local News
by
Stephany Beshara
last edited on
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Ice storms, power outages, and winter conditions have forced many South Dakotans out of their homes.
And the Black Hills Red Cross is stepping up to help those who in need.
Ice-caked power lines like these have caused thousands of South Dakotans to lose power, water and heat.
These dialysis patients have been stranded in Rapid City since late last week because of power outages.
And Wednesday the Black Hills Red Cross opened an emergency shelter to help those away from home have a warm place to sleep at night.
Richard Smith, of Black Hills Red Cross, said, "We have blankets, cots, sheets, pillows, those types of items that will be here as well."
The shelter is set up at the Fountain Springs Community Church.
And Pastor David Kinnan says he is happy to open his church up for those in need.
"It's absolutely critical for a church to engage the community in the midst of needs. People have real needs every single day, and sometimes they are unpredictable, like loss of power, loss of water. So the church needs to be one of the first responders," said Kinnan.
Red Cross volunteers, like Jan Albright, say it's just as important to have a safe place to go as it is for them to feel safe.
"Just so they know that this is a safe place and they will be protected and they will have food and shower and water," said Albright.
And the Red Cross will keep the shelter open and ready until crews restore power to South Dakota.
The tribal chairman on South Dakota's Cheyenne River Reservation says some looting has been reported there.
As a result, he has imposed an 8:00 p.m. curfew and is asking vendors to temporarily stop alcohol sales.