Florida Closes Last Hurricane Gustav Shelter

The last American Red Cross shelter in Florida for Hurricane Gustav evacuees closed Sept. 6. As Hurricane Ike moves in from the west, Florida evacuees from Hurricane Gustav are finally able to return home.

Craig Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency urges evacuees returning to their homes to do so safely and at the direction of local officials.

American Red Cross officials in coordination with local counties in Florida opened approximately 13 shelters throughout Florida for evacuees fleeing Hurricane Gustav. They were also instrumental in providing food and assistance to those evacuees during their stay in Florida.

Evacuees who evacuated from Louisiana and Mississippi for Hurricane
Gustav may be eligible for reimbursement of some expenses.

Evacuees should call (800) 621-3362 or visit www.fema.gov, for
more information and to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Although gas is not eligible, evacuees may be reimbursed for hotel, medical and food expenses. Applicants
must be prepared to provide identification.

The American Red Cross will also open shelters in those areas where residents are still unable to live in their homes and continue to provide assistance as needed to get those impacted by the storm back on their feet.

Source: Florida Division of Emergency Management
www.FloridaDisaster.org
www.redcross.org.