Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services, provides an update as the American Red Cross stands ready for Hurricane Alex to make landfall in Texas.
Video: Red Cross Ready as Hurricane Alex Makes Landfall
June 30, 2010
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Fast Facts: Hurricane Alex Response
June 30, 2010
The Red Cross has pre-positioned several material resources in preparation for Hurricane Alex:
- 17 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs)
- 1 Emergency Communication Response Vehicle (ECRV)
- 2,000 cots
- 2,025 blankets
- 1 Kitchen Support Trailer
- 2,000 Comfort Kits
- 575 Cambros, ice chests and clam shells to aid in food distribution
- 86 trained Red Cross Disaster Workers have been deployed
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Press Release: Red Cross Moving Supplies and Workers to South Texas as Hurricane Alex Nears the Coast
June 30, 2010
Red Cross Moving Supplies and Workers to South Texas as Hurricane Alex Nears the Coast
Flooding a big concern in the Rio Grande Delta
Editorial note: Call (202) 303-5551 to speak with an American Red Cross spokesperson on the ground.Visit the Red Cross Disaster Online Newsroom for flood preparedness and response information, including photos, audio, and press releases. Downloadable b-roll is available at redcross.org in the media resources section.
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2010 – As Hurricane Alex churns through the Gulf of Mexico toward south Texas and Mexico, the American Red Cross is positioning workers, shelter and feeding equipment and emergency vehicles in Texas.
The storm is bringing strong winds and torrential rain to the area, and coastal residents are being evacuated, as well as crews on oil rigs and platforms in the area. An additional concern is that the Rio Grande delta region is prone to flood during heavy rain.
“We could see significant flooding from this storm, forcing people to stay in our shelters for longer periods,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services. “People should take any evacuation orders seriously and leave when told to do so.”
The American Red Cross is supporting 20 shelters for those who may have to evacuate and has sent in 2,000 cots, blankets, and kits containing personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, wash cloths, shampoo, razors and shaving cream. As many as 17 Emergency Response Vehicles have been deployed to the area, and eight additional vehicles and crews are on stand-by. Kitchen equipment is also on the way from the Red Cross warehouse in San Antonio.
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Disaster Alert: Hurricane Alex
June 30, 2010Disaster Alert
Texas – According to the National Hurricane Center forecast, Alex is the first hurricane of the 2010 season. The center was located approximately 235 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas. Alex is expected to make landfall late today or early Thursday.
All Texas chapters continued call-down of available staff, identified shelter locations and moved material resources to the staging area.
The Disaster Operations Center at National Headquarters is providing technical, human and material support.
Louisiana – In a related story, NOAA states the projected path could turn north. With this projection, there could be a 6-foot surge with high tide, which will cause minor coastal flooding with the possibility of tornadic activity.
All Louisiana chapters performed call-down of available staff, identified material support and communicated with government agencies to confirm plans and needs within their parishes.
The Disaster Operations Center at National Headquarters is maintaining contact for situational updates.
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Disaster Alert: Hazardous Materials in New York
June 30, 2010Disaster Alert
New York – A fuel tanker/dump truck collision resulted in an explosion in Esopus, which ignited a fire that destroyed a warehouse and resulted in the closure of parts of Route 9 W. Both drivers had non-life threatening injuries.
The Ulster County Chapter provided canteen services for about 150 firefighters at the request of the County Emergency Management.
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Press Release: Red Cross Disaster Response Transitions to Local Chapters in MN
June 30, 2010
Red Cross Disaster Response Transitions to Local Chapters in the Areas Affected by June 17 Tornadoes
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, June 29, 2010 – The American Red Cross disaster response transitions this week to local chapters following the June 17 tornadoes across Minnesota.
“We are returning the disaster operation response to the Red Cross chapters in the affected areas,” says Sue Hutson, the Red Cross volunteer director of operations for the June 17 disaster response. “The local chapters have the ability to continue needed casework for vulnerable families.”
Until now the Red Cross response has been state-wide, drawing from volunteers and paid staff from ten chapters, including Central Minnesota, Freeborn County, Goodhue County, Mower County, South Central Minnesota, Southeast Minnesota, St. Croix Valley, Twin Cities Area Chapter and Winona County in Minnesota; and the Minn-Kota chapter that covers areas in North Dakota and Minnesota.
The Red Cross anticipates that it will spend between $259,000 and $406,000 to help people rebuild their lives following the June 17 tornadoes.
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Disaster Alert: Tornado in Michigan
June 29, 2010Disaster Alert
Michigan – A tornado damaged dozens of camping vehicles in an RV park located in St. Clair County on Sunday. One fatality and multiple injuries reported. Search and rescue efforts continue.
The St. Clair County Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team and provided canteen services to emergency responders. The chapter offered mental health services to the affected families.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter provided technical support.
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Disaster Alert: Tropical Storm Alex
June 29, 2010Disaster Alert
Texas – The current National Hurricane Center forecast states that Alex is strengthening and will likely reach hurricane status before making landfall approximately 150 miles south of Cameron County on Thursday. A Hurricane Warning is in effect.
All Texas chapters continued call-down of available staff, identified shelter locations and moved material resources to the staging area.
Louisiana – In a related story, NOAA states the projected path could turn north. With this projection, there could be a 6-foot surge with high tide, which will cause minor coastal flooding with the possibility of tornadic activity.
All Louisiana chapters performed call-down of available staff, identified material support and communicated with government agencies to confirm plans and needs within their parishes.
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Video: Red Cross Prepares for Tropical Storm Alex
June 28, 2010Joe Becker checks in from American Red Cross National Headquarters to explain how we are readying the Texas coast for Tropical Storm Alex.
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Press Release: Red Cross Services Update in Missouri
June 28, 2010
Red Cross Services Update
ST. JOSEPH, MO, June 28, 2010 – The American Red Cross continues to adjust their services to meet the changing needs in the face of flooding in Northwest Missouri. Two Red Cross shelters are on standby and the need for feeding sandbagging crews has ceased. The Red Cross has opened a service delivery site at the United Methodist Church located at 312 E. 7th Street in Mound City. On Sunday, Red Cross volunteers met with twenty families who lost their homes to the recent flooding. The service delivery site will be open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except Sunday when the hours are 12 am to 5 pm.
Karla Long, Emergency Services Director comments, “The Red Cross is there. We are committed to Northwest Missouri and we are going to help these families as they move through this recovery process.” For those families who have had their primary residence affected by the recent floods and are unable to come to Mound City, please contact the Red Cross at 1-866-GET-INFO or 1-866-438-4636.
Presently the Red Cross has served over 5,100 meals and snacks since the flooding began. Forty-nine volunteers have been assisting the Midland Empire Chapter of the Red Cross with sheltering, feeding and client service.
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