Disaster Alert: High Wind/Freeze in Connecticut and Pennsylvania

December 30, 2009

Disaster Alert

Connecticut – Strong winds caused temperatures to plunge to about 10 -15 degrees resulting in power outages to more than 100, 000 customers and downed power lines. Power companies are working to restore power to every household. The Connecticut chapter opened a shelter yesterday.

Pennsylvania – Ridgebury had very strong winds and extremely low temperatures yesterday, it is not yet known whether there were power outages, downed power lines or damages.

The Bradford-Sullivan Counties chapter took over a shelter at the request of Ridgebury Volunteers Fire department. The shelter had 32 people earlier but was closed around 2 am after everyone left. The Susquehanna County chapter assisted with volunteers and the Lackawanna County chapter placed volunteers on standby.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Winter Storm in Texas

December 30, 2009

Disaster Alert

Texas – A winter storm affected different counties throughout the state yesterday. Extent of damage or whether there were any injuries or deaths is unknown at this time. The Chisholm Trail and El Paso Area chapters have placed a number of shelters on standby and are actively engaged with local officials and Emergency Management.

The Smith County, Heart of Texas Area, ARC of Central Texas, San Antonio and Dallas Area Chapters are prepared to respond if needed.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Apartment Fire in Mississippi

December 30, 2009

Disaster Alert

Mississippi – A fire involving three apartments in Starkville on December 28 2009 resulted in 9 fatalities (6 children and 3 adults). The Oktibbeha County Chapter responded with Mental Health and assistance to families.

Read more in the New York Times >>

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Tornado in Texas

December 24, 2009

Disaster Alert

Texas – A tornado touched down in Gregg and Harrison Counties yesterday damaging some industrial buildings, homes, downing power lines, causing gas leaks and leaving about 1000 homes without power. Highway 80 is closed from the Loop 281 due to power lines and debris on the road. No injuries have been reported at this time. The East Texas Piney Woods Chapter and Smith County Chapter are monitoring the situation and are in liaison with Emergency Management. Disaster Assessment is in progress.

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Posted by amrecro

Red Cross Responds to Major Winter Storm

December 21, 2009

Sunday, December 20, 2009 — With a major winter storm blanketing the eastern United States with record snowfalls up to two feet deep, the American Red Cross is providing shelter and comfort to travelers and residents throughout the area.

Heavy and blowing snow caused major roads to be nearly impassable, and some highways were closed at the height of the storm, stranding people who were traveling. In addition, widespread power outages left residents in the dark and cold in several states as the storm moved through Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia and Maryland and up the coast to the Northeast.
By Saturday night, shelters operated by or supported by the Red Cross and its partners contained more than 900 people in states spread from Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia up to Massachusetts.

Winter Storm Safety Checklist [PDF]

Read More >>

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Update: Winter Wallop Storm

December 21, 2009

Disaster Update

Massachusetts – The Winter Wallop Storm caused heavy snow accumulation throughout the state with the Boston Region most heavily affected on late Saturday thru Sunday. The Cape Cod and Islands Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team (DAT), supported 4 shelters and staffed Regional County Emergency Operations Center. The shelters closed on 4pm Sunday.

Washington, DC and Virginia – The Winter Wallop Storm that dumped as much as 2 feet of snow or more throughout the region on Saturday closed airports and roads, stranded thousands of travelers, and caused power outages that prompted the evacuation of local residents. A State of Emergency is in effect for both states and a DC Snow Emergency has been declared.

The Mountain Empire Chapter deployed a DAT, opened 2 shelters and supported 10 others for hundreds of overnight travelers and affected-area residents.

The Greater Richmond Chapter provided material support to the Mountain Empire Chapter and staffed State EOC.

The ARC of the National Capital Region Chapter staffed the City EOC, provided a shelter trailer and Mass Care (MC) to support liaisons required to shelter in place, and provided MC to stranded travelers at bus stations and airports.

Maryland and Delaware – The Winter Wallop Storm that dumped as much as 2 feet of snow or more throughout the region on Saturday closed airports and roads, stranded thousands of travelers.

Central Maryland Chapter staffed the State EOC.

DelMarVa Chapter staffed the Kent County EOC

Southern Maryland Chapter provided 35 cots and some blankets for use by snow plow drivers

All Community Chapters were in contact with EMA / Mass Care Primaries as needed.

West Virginia – The Winter Wallop Storm hit the state with up to 30 inches of snow, left thousands of local residents without power and stranded hundreds of travelers on Friday and Saturday.

The Central West Virginia Chapter deployed DAT, opened 4 shelters, supported 5 others, provided MC, and staffed the state EOC

The Greenbrier Valley Chapter deployed DAT, opened a shelter, placed another one on standby and provided MC for scores of stranded travelers.

The Fayette – Nicholas Chapter deployed DAT and provided support services to 8 shelters.

The Mid – Ohio Valley Chapter deployed DAT and opened 3 shelters for affected-area residents.

Kentucky – The Winter Wallop Storm caused power outages to over 100,000 residents in several counties throughout the state on Saturday. Governor declared a State of Emergency.

The Mid-East Kentucky Chapter deployed DAT, opened 2 shelters and provided assistance to local residents.

The Big Sandy Area Chapter deployed DAT, opened 14 shelters and provided MC to shelter residents.

The Daniel Boone Chapter deployed DAT and opened a shelter for residents in the affected area

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Winter Wallop Storm

December 19, 2009

Disaster Alert

The powerful winter storm affecting the East Coast will continue to bring heavy snow accumulation and blizzard conditions throughout most of the East Area. A total of 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected in some areas. A Snow Emergency is in effect for Washington DC. The South Area are forecast to continue receiving snow and rain showers today. Windy and cold conditions are expected in several portions.Snow is expected in several portions of the Central Area with up to a foot of snow possible in some areas. Light snow and rain is likely in parts of the West Area.

North Carolina – The Winter Wallop Storm dumped several inches of snow in numerous counties throughout the state and closed roads, stranded travelers, and caused power outages that prompted the evacuation of local residents.

As of midnight, Dec. 19th, there was a total number of 10 ARC managed and partner shelters with 161 occupants.

The Asheville Mountain Area Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team (DAT), opened 6 shelters and supported another for scores of overnight travelers and affected-area residents.

Haywood County Chapter deployed a DAT and opened a shelter for 28 overnight residents.

Polk County Chapter deployed a DAT and opened a shelter for 40 overnight affected-area residents and stranded travelers.

Transylvania County Chapter placed a shelter on stand-by.

Catawba Valley Chapter deployed a DAT and opened a shelter for travelers and residents in the affected area.

West Virginia – The Winter Wallop Storm continued up the East Coast on Friday within Greenbrier County and closed a major highway that left travelers stranded late Friday night.

As of midnight, Dec. 19th, there was a total number of 1 ARC managed and partner shelters with 76 occupants.

The Greenbrier Valley Chapter deployed a DAT, opened a shelter for 76 overnight residents, placed another one on standby and provided Mass Care.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Severe Weather in Florida

December 19, 2009

Disaster Alert

Florida – Heavy rainfall and gusty winds caused flooding that affected Broward County residents on Friday. The ARC of Greater Miami and the Keys and Broward County chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team (DAT), opened a shelter, and provided Mass Care to shelter residents.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Floods in Florida and Maryland

December 18, 2009

Disaster Alert

Florida – Flash flooding affected the local residents of Bonifay and the counties of Holmes, Sneeds, and Jacksons on Thursday. The ARC of Northwest Florida Chapter and the Central Panhandle Chapter deployed Disaster Action Teams (DAT). Volunteers from the Central Panhandle Chapter opened a shelter for affected-area residents.

Maryland – A water main break in Baltimore County affected dozens of homes on Thursday. The Central Maryland Chapter deployed a DAT, placed a shelter on stand-by and staffed the county EOC.

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Posted by amrecro

Update on Flood in Louisiana

December 17, 2009

Disaster Update

Updated Dec. 18th: The Southeast Louisiana Chapter is continuing to work throughout St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary parishes to assist those affected by the recent flooding. The Lafourche Parish shelter is currently operating with 27 registered residents. This shelter will remain open as long as needed. The Chapter has distributed a total of 170 clean up kits, fed 276 meals and 552 snacks since the flooding began.

Rain continues throughout many area parishes resulting in the closure of some roads because of flooding. Schools in Jefferson and St. Charles Parishes are closed and sandbagging operations are ongoing in many areas. Eleven homes were flooded in four parishes and sewer systems throughout the parishes are backed up. Some customers are without power. The shelter had an overnight population of 27.

Follow @RedCrossSELA on Twitter for the most recent updates.

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Posted by amrecro

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