American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

American Red Cross Responds to Today’s Storm Damage
Volunteers provide immediate assistance to families impacted by storms

St. Louis, Friday, December 31, 2010 – The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter dispatched three Damage Assessment Teams to Sunset Hills, St. Louis, and Fenton, MO, in response to today’s severe weather. Currently, teams are assessing damage to homes and providing immediate assistance to families on an individual basis. In addition, we are working with emergency response agencies in Franklin County to support and provide for affected families.

At this time, shelters are not required, however, if further assessment indicates a need, volunteers and pre-designated shelter sites are on standby. Until then, individuals seeking assistance may call our emergency hotline at 314.516.2700.

We will continue to monitor the situation and stay ahead of potential additional severe weather; as always the Red Cross stands ready 24/7 to respond to disasters.

Winter Storm and Fire Response Make for Busy Night for Red Cross in Connecticut – Supporting Southington Shelter, Helping 28 People after Bridgeport and Manchester Fires, Responding to Multi-Family Fire in Enfield

Sunday, December 26, 2010 – The American Red Cross is responding to fires and supporting shelter operations tonight as a Nor ‘Easter bears down on Connecticut.

The Red Cross is providing temporary lodging to 14 people displaced by a fire this evening on Main Street in Bridgeport. Additional follow-up is scheduled for Monday.

The Red Cross is also helping 14 people in three families in Manchester, who were displaced by two separate fires on Eldridge Street. The Red Cross is providing temporary lodging and financial assistance for emergency clothing and food needs to one of the families. The other two families are receiving temporary lodging and will meet with caseworkers to assess further needs.

The Red Cross is also providing blankets and cots to a shelter open in Southington at Calendar House, 388 Pleasant Street in Southington. The shelter opened at 4pm and is operated by the town of Southington and the Southington Citizen Emergency Response Team with Red Cross support.

Additionally, the Red Cross has been contacted regarding a multi-family fire on High Street in Enfield. No additional details are available, but preliminary reports indicate at least 10 people are potentially affected.

“It’s a tough night out there for firefighters and responders,” said Red Cross spokesperson Paul Shipman. “Our hats are off to those responding. Our volunteers have reported very difficult driving conditions. We urge people to stay home if they don’t need to be on the roads, and we urge you to use caution at home with candles, fireplaces and space heaters.”

American Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge, a gift made possible by generous donations and the work of volunteers. For more information about the Red Cross and how you can help, visit www.ctredcross.org.