Red Cross opens shelter for storm victims

June 23--SUBLETTE -- The American Red Cross on Monday night opened a shelter for victims of the latest round of severe weather at the Ellice Dinges Center, 202 S. West St., where it is providing food, coffee and water for emergency responders and displaced residents.

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Relief efforts provided by Red Cross volunteers "will evolve as disaster-induced needs become apparent," the nonprofit said in a news release.

"Right now, we want to make sure people get into safe shelter and their immediate needs -- like food, infant supplies and medications -- are met," Lisa LaSala, executive director of American Red Cross of Northeast Illinois, said in the release.

Go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to donate to the nonprofit's disaster aid efforts.

The agency also offers these safety tips:

--What to do after a tornado:http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tornado

--Tornado safety checklist:http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340177_Tornado.pdf

--There's also a free Red Cross Tornado App that allows users to monitor weather reports. Find it the Apple iTunes Store and the Google Play Store for Android phones.

Live updates are available on Twitter: @ChicagoRedCross.

And while we're on the topic, Country Financial also has some advice for people whose property sustained storm damage:

1. Contact your insurance representative immediately to start a claim. The faster you start a claim, the faster you start the rebuilding process. Plus, depending on the type of insurance coverage you have, some insurers will help you find a temporary place to stay and cover temporary living expenses.

2. Save all receipts. If you had to make emergency repairs to your home, such as putting a tarp over your roof or plywood over your windows, be sure to save all of your receipts. Many insurers will reimburse you for those expenses.

3. Take photos. Before you throw anything away, take photos of it. You don't have to have a digital camera; you can use your cellphone.

4. Start making an inventory of your damage. Depending on the amount of damage and type of insurance coverage you have, your insurer may ask for a complete list of everything that was damaged in your home. Having photos on your cell phone, for example, will help you to create that list.

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