American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Red Cross Assistance Continues Following Montana Fires
Those who need help urged to contact organization

Butte, MT (September 3, 2012) – While evacuation orders have been lifted for residents impacted by the 19 Mile Fire in Jefferson County, the American Red Cross remains committed to assisting the community through the recovery phase. In light of the orders lifted, Red Cross closed its shelter in Whitehall and workers will continue to canvas areas impacted by the recent fires, meet with those who have been affected and help create recovery plans.

Red Cross is asking anyone who has been affected to please call 1-800-ARC-MONT (272-6668) and ask to speak to a Duty Officer to schedule an appointment with their Client Casework Outreach Team. The teams are available 24 hours a day.

“This is a critical time for Montanans who have been impacted by these fires, but our staff and volunteers are here to help” said Diane Wright, Red Cross spokesperson.

The evacuation shelter located at the Livingston Civic Center, 229 River Drive, remains open and operated by a team of trained Red Cross volunteers.

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Red Cross in Mississippi Continues to Provide Comfort for Hurricane Victims
Red Cross Distributes more than 16,000 Items in Damaged Areas

Mike Gros receives food and clean-up supplies from a Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle at his home in Kiln, MS after Hurricane Isaac. (Photo credit: Craig MacNab/American Red Cross)

Red Cross is on the scene in Mississippi to help those affected by the hurricane. As families continue the cleanup, Red Cross is distributing supplies to help in the recovery process. In addition to hot meals and water, the Red Cross is distributing cleanup supplies such as rakes, shovels, trash bags, gloves, mops, and more. These supplies are being taken directly to the damaged areas. On Saturday alone, the Red Cross distributed more than 16,000 items to people in need. Tasha James and her seven year old son received some of those items on Saturday. “I am blessed, so blessed, to get this help from the Red Cross.” James said.

One of the many damaged areas that the Red Cross delivered supplies to was Kiln, MS. Mike Gros lives in that area and was very grateful for the supplies received from a Red Cross truck. Gros had been cleaning up debris around his home and his rake had broken earlier. “This will really come in handy. My rake got broken,” said Gros, “The water was knee-deep.” The Red Cross was able to provide a new rake and other related items to assist in his cleanup and recovery.

The Red Cross offers the following tips for those in the affected area to stay safer:

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MEDIA ADVISORY: PROCTER & GAMBLE BRINGS MOBILE RELIEF TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE ISAAC WITH NEW P&G RELIEF CENTER, TIDE LOADS OF HOPE, DURACELL RAPID RESPONDER, AND CHARMIN RESTROOMS
Mobile Showers, Restrooms and Personal Care Kits Join Laundry and Power Relief Service, bringing aid to residents affected by Hurricane Isaac

WHO: Services available to all families or individuals in need of showers, restrooms and personal care items as well as laundry and temporary power use in the wake of Hurricane Isaac.

WHAT: Beginning Sunday, September 2nd, the P&G Relief Center will be stationed in LaPlace, Louisiana to provide showers, restroom facilities and personal care kits to victims of Hurricane Isaac. This service will be free to all victims, responders and their families.

The Mobile Relief Center will be joining P&G’s Tide Loads of Hope, which will be at the same location to provide free full service laundry to relief workers and residents, who are encouraged to drop off their laundry to be washed, dried and folded, free of charge. No bedding, jackets, or other large pieces will be accepted. Services will be available Tuesday, September 4th.

The Duracell Rapid Responder – the newest member of Duracell’s Power Forward fleet – arrived on Thursday, and is moving throughout the New Orleans area to provide power relief in the areas of greatest need. At each truck stop, people will have access to charging lockers for mobile devices, computers, WiFi and a battery distribution center to help them reconnect with loved ones and stay powered up when they need it most.

Charmin Restrooms will also be deployed for the first time to aid in the disaster relief and will be in a separate location to provide additional bathrooms and showers for those looking to meet basic needs and freshen up.

WHY: We know that in the wake of a disaster, many of the simple things like clean teeth, clean clothes, a shower and making a phone call to loved ones become difficult. Recent storms have devastated parts of the country and have forced many residents from their homes, leaving them without basic needs and resources. So, in an effort to help restore a sense of normalcy, we are expanding P&G’s Mobile Relief efforts to include mobile units with shower and restroom facilities and Personal Care Kits. Our people and our brands are joining together to help relief workers and families whose homes, clothing and personal items have been impacted and to help renew a sense of hope in a difficult time.

WHERE:

• P&G Relief Center & Tide Loads of Hope: 300 West Airline Highway, LaPlace, LA in front of the
  Home Depot
• Duracell Rapid Responder: at the Home Depot with Tide & the Relief Center from 8AM-10AM daily
  and visiting other locations of need upon request
• Charmin Restrooms: 1633 West Airline Highway LaPlace, LA 70068, in front of the Family Dollar

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