DARKE COUNTY – Even after the flood waters recede, there is still much to do if your home is one of those affected by this week’s flash flooding. That is why Red Cross volunteers and staff are in Darke County working with families, doing casework and determining how best each family can be assisted on their road to recovery. It takes far less time for a home to flood than it does to make that house a home again.

Damage assessment was done, in conjunction with Darke County Emergency Management Agency; volunteers from both agencies worked, going neighborhood to neighborhood and door to door, determining degree and type of damage.

Next step, caseworkers are now beginning work with individual families, helping them determine their immediate and long term recovery needs. American Red Cross meets many needs of those needing help, but the Red Cross also works with many partners especially when it comes to long-term recovery.

Depending on the needs, clients are often referred to other non-profits, government partners, area resources and organizations that specialize in long-term recovery. Darke County has a COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) that actively works together all year long, planning for just such an incident.

The Red Cross is also distributing flood-related clean-up kits from the location. Clean-up kits include a variety of cleaning supplies, including mops, a bucket, sponges, rubber gloves, squeegees, Clorox bleach, various disinfectants and more. Additional kits are available at the Greenville office or you may call 548-1002.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Help people affected by disasters like [wildfires/floods/tornadoes] and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

For more updates, follow the American Red Cross Northern Miami Valley Ohio on Twitter and Facebook. You can also visit at www.redcross.org/NMVO.