`TAKE TIME OUT,' FLOOD VICTIMS TOLD; 30 COUNSELED AT RED STAR MEETING

About 30 Red Star District residents who have been forced out of their homes by rising floodwaters had the chance Wednesday to get answers to some of their questions about how to get back on their feet.

The meeting, held at the Red Star Baptist Church Activity Center, was also an opportunity for representatives from Community Counseling and the American Red Cross to tell residents about the disaster services available to them.

Gary Koch, a spokesman for Community Counseling, warned people to be wary of frayed nerves and short tempers during such times of crisis.

"This is a time when instances of alcohol abuse can go up," Koch said. "Even without the stress and strain of the flood, as hot as it is, everyone's on edge with the heat index soaring to 104 or 106 every day.

"At times when you're feeling like you're going to explode, make yourself take time out and go for a walk," Koch said. "There's no need to make an already bad situation worse."

Ron MacCubbin, a disaster services worker for the American Red Cross, said that even though they may appear normal, children can be deeply affected by disasters.

"They may not say anything now and may look like they're having a good time playing in and around the water, but then the nightmares set in," MacCubbin said.

He said many local, state and federal agencies in the area offer programs that teach children about the flood and help them cope with it on their level.

Several residents expressed a concern about cleanup after the floodwaters recede.

One woman said she did not feel good about bringing her disabled back into the home after the water is gone.

"Are there going to be people to help us clean up?" another resident asked.

MacCubbin said the Red Cross and the city of Cape Girardeau already are organizing cleanup crews and supplies.

Residents were also told about day care services available for children ages 5-10. These are meant to help parents who are trying to get their lives back into order.

Community Counseling and two area churches are providing free day care for the next few weeks.

Koch explained some of the technicalities involved with applying for federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

MacCubbin told residents to apply for aid by phone, while Koch told them to go to the disaster application center, open Friday through Monday at the Centenary Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis St.

Koch said flood victims can apply for certain benefits at the center that they cannot be arranged over the phone.

An applicant who tele-registers is referred to other agencies by the person taking the application. At the center, representatives from other divisions will be present and the applicants can take care of many of their needs in one trip.

Both men encouraged everyone at Wednesday's meeting to attend the city's flood relief meeting at 7 tonight at the A.C. Brase Arena Building.

They also advised that flood victims write down questions and specifically direct them to FEMA representatives or other city, state and federal officials.

"In closing, I think you've all done one heck of a job helping each other out," Koch said. "You've helped your neighbors in a time of need, with little or no coordination that's something to be proud of."