Fort Hood Shooting: Update

November 6, 2009
  • If you are looking for loved ones on Fort Hood you can visit the Red Cross Safe and Well List. In order to complete a search you will need to know the phone number or address of your loved one.
  • If you are on the post, we encourage you to register on Red Cross Safe and Well List so others know you are safe.
  • If you have spoken to loved ones on Fort Hood, you can register them on Safe and Well by visiting www.redcross.org.
  • Red Cross personnel who work on Fort Hood have been contacted and are safe.
  • The Red Cross has supplied nearly 150 units of blood and blood products to Darnall Army Medical Center and Scott and White Hospital. If you are eligible to give blood or have questions about donating, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) to make an appointment or visit us online at givelife.org.
  • Scott & White Hospital has additional information about blood donation needs.
  • Families seeking more information can call the Army hotlines at (254) 724-4376 or (866) 836-2751.
  • US Army is tweeting information.

Press Release: Red Cross Strives to Help Disaster’s Vulnerable Population

October 21, 2009

newsrelease
Red Cross Strives to Help Disaster’s Vulnerable Population

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 — In testimony to a U.S. House of Representatives Committee, the American Red Cross offered recommendations on ways to better meet the needs of every community member affected by disaster, especially those with special requirements.

Trevor Riggen, Red Cross senior director of disaster services testified Tuesday as to how the Red Cross is meeting the needs of the very young, the elderly, and those with disabilities. While there is no “one size fits all” answer, the Red Cross has put in place plans to help this most vulnerable population.

“Our nation continues to make improvements in our ability to respond to and recover from disasters,” Riggen said. “As a nation, we are better prepared for disasters than at any time in our history.”

During a disaster, children may feel ill at ease in a shelter. Their daily routine is disrupted. The Red Cross has special help for children during this traumatic time, such as special areas for families to sleep, and space in the shelter for family interaction and child care.

Read more >>


American Samoan Volunteers: Video

October 19, 2009

Singing is a big part of the American Samoan culture. Groups are able to break into song at any time in perfect harmony. The local Red Cross volunteers have been leading all the volunteers in group songs after every morning and evening operation meeting. It is a positive and peaceful way to start and end the day.


Loma Prieta Earthquake: 20 Years Later

October 16, 2009

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Remembering the Loma Prieta Earthquake

Friday, October 16, 2009 — Twenty years ago today, the lives of many Californians got an unexpected jolt. The San Francisco Bay Area was struck by a massive 6.9 magnitude earthquake, killing dozens and injuring many more. But what was a tragedy also became a testament to the willingness of individuals, communities and a whole country to come to the help of another.

In San Francisco, California, the Loma Prieta earthquake caused extensive damage to homes, cars and other personal property. After the quake, American Red Cross disaster workers provided almost instant access to desperately needed resources. Volunteers from the Santa Clara Valley Chapter and the Palo Alto Area Chapter (both organizations are now known as the Silicon Valley Chapter) were dispatched throughout Santa Clara County, where building damage and destruction was high, but fatalities and injuries were low.

The first priority of the local Red Cross chapters was to set up shelters and service centers. Each shelter offered warm beds, first aid, stress counseling and a platoon of volunteers willing to be there and listen.

Read more>>
Photo taken by Joseph Matthews/American Red Cross


Disaster Alert: Tornado in Kentucky

October 13, 2009

Disaster Alert

Kentucky – A tornado touched down in Casey County on Friday and damaged dozens of homes and prompted the evacuation of residents. The Central Kentucky chapter opened a shelter and provided food and water services for the evacuees and emergency responders.


Press Release: Red Cross Chief Advises Getting Flu Vaccines

October 6, 2009

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American Red Cross Chief Nurse Advises Getting
H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccines

WASHINGTON, October 6, 2009 —With the first doses of the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine being shipped and seasonal flu shots underway, people should be getting vaccinations when they can for these flu viruses, said Sharon Stanley, Chief Nurse of the American Red Cross.

“Dealing with the flu is a three-step process: Get vaccinated, stop the spread with basic hygiene and stay home if sick,” Stanley said.

Getting vaccinated against both the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu is the most important step.

“Make sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated this flu season,” urges Stanley.

While vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for controlling influenza, Stanley said that people can help reduce their exposure by using good hand-washing hygiene, social distancing and covering their cough.

>> Read more and watch video with Chief Nurse Sharon Stanley


Press Release: Southwest Airlines Partners with the Red Cross

October 5, 2009

newsrelease

Southwest Airlines Delivers “Comfort” to Americans
Displaced by Disasters
Partnership with American Red Cross will Help 10,000 People Nationwide

WASHINGTON, Monday, October 05, 2009 — Southwest Airlines employees have partnered with the American Red Cross to show their “LUV” to 10,000 people displaced by disasters across the nation. In an unprecedented show of support, the Dallas-based air carrier, currently headquartered at Love Field, encouraged employees to ”Share the Spirit” by collecting, assembling and distributing “comfort kits” to Red Cross chapters in all 68 cities the airline serves.

Comfort kits are an essential part of a Red Cross disaster response, particularly those affected by a home fire, the most common type of disaster the Red Cross responds to on a daily basis.

Read more>>


Southeast Floods: Fast Facts as of 9.25.09

September 25, 2009

The following information shows our total service delivery since the beginning of the Georgia floods:

Shelters opened: 7
Shelter Overnight Stays: 651
Meals served: 3,611
Snacks served: 6,423
Comfort kits distributed: 389
Clean up kits distributed: 367
Emergency Response Vehicles on the ground: 7
Mental Health Consultations: 133
Health Services Consultations:168
Red Cross workers involved: 213


Be Red Cross Ready: Postcard from Bob Carey

September 19, 2009

Preparedness Kit Event

American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles distributed 3,500 disaster preparedness packs to school age children on a first-come first-served basis on Saturday, September 12th, at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church 5th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway & Health Fair.


Disaster Alert: Flooding in Georgia

September 15, 2009

Disaster Alert

Georgia – Heavy rains caused minor flooding in Gilmore County yesterday resulting in the evacuation of about 22 people. The Northeast Georgia chapter has a shelter and shelter team on standby.