The American Red Cross, Greater Cleveland Chapter continues to provide assistance and support to families affected by recent, devastating floods in Cuyahoga County communities including Brecksville, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Broadview Heights, Glenwillow, Independence, North Royalton, Parma Seven Hills, Solon, Valley View and Walton Hills.

As of 6 p.m. today, the Chapter had opened 39 cases associated with the disaster; more could be pending as outreach efforts continue this evening and tomorrow.

Assistance provided over the weekend and today by Red Cross teams in Cuyahoga County:

-- More than 1,200 meals and water provided by teams in our Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV's)

-- 57 local disaster volunteers mobilized and on the job since Thursday evening

-- 800 Red Cross clean up kits distributed

-- 500 flood repair pamphlets and other pieces of informational literature distributed

The Red Cross has designated this event as a Level III disaster in the State of Ohio with total relief cost estimates of approximately $230,000. Of that, approximately $25,000 is estimated to be spent by the Red Cross for assistance provided in Cuyahoga County alone.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money by the American people. You can help the victims of the Ohio floods and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross Chapter or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington DC, 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org