American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

An overview of how the Red Cross arranges to deliver meals to those in need after a major disaster

Disaster Alert

Washington - 

A brush fire in Yakima County burned thousands of acres and briefly threatened homes on Friday.

The Yakima Valley Chapter communicated with local Emergency Management, deployed team members and provided canteen services to emergency responders.

Volunteers from the Benton-Franklin and Kittitas Chapters were on standby to provide mutual aid, if needed.

Heavy rain can produce dangerous flash flooding, so you need to stay prepared and know what to do if flooding occurs. Here, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania takes to the streets of Philadelphia to give you some easy to follow, yet potentially life saving tips on staying safe. Most important thing you should be doing is staying informed about the weather conditions so you can act accordingly. For more information, go to redcross.org

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Disaster Alert

South Carolina - A storm produced rain in the Simpsonville and Mauldin areas of Greenville County yesterday causing flash flooding and prompting the evacuation of approximately 10 mobile homes.

The ARC of Upstate South Carolina has placed human and material resources on standby. A second DAT was activated and placed on alert.

The Regional Disaster Coordination Team and the Regional Disaster Workforce remains at the watch level.

Twilight sets in on the response to the Salvation Army building collapse in Philadelphia. After more than 10 hours, rescue crews continue sifting through the rubble. The Red Cross has been there from the beginning providing food, water, and a place to crash for a few minutes. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Salvation Army on this terrible day.

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The F.D.N.Y Disaster Assistance Response Team is one of the longest standing partnerships the American Red Cross has to date. “We’ve been working together for many years through many disasters.” Said Michael Mondello, FDNY Team Leader.

During the recent response to the Oklahoma Storms, the FDNY Team took special training to be able to work in a special capacity as the Red Cross Government Liaisons. These special liaisons are positioned at multiple Emergency Operations Centers at the local, state and federal levels throughout the affected communities in Oklahoma.

Government Liaison Volunteers work with the Emergency Managers at each level to determine the needs of the community and to ensure the Red Cross is involved in the planning required in meeting those needs quickly and efficiently. The Liaisons then take the information up to Red Cross leadership to get the teams out in the field tasked with providing the relief that has been requested.

“We are proud to give back to Oklahoma during this emergency because we have been on the other side and needed your help. You were there…now it’s our turn.” said Chris Edwards, FDNY Disaster Assistance Team member.

See entire set on Flickr >>

The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region continues to assist first responders and families affected by the Powerhouse Fire which has burned 25,000 acres in the Santa Clarita/Palmdale area of north Los Angeles County. At least 50 Red Cross workers have staffed the shelter at Marie Kerr Park since May 30 providing hot meals, snacks, water, shower facilities, comfort kits and cots. On Sunday, June 2, at least 150 residents registered at the shelter. Officials from Los Angeles County Fire have been providing daily updates to evacuees. Relief efforts are expected to continue through June 7.

Captain Carlos Souza, officer for the Salvation Army in the Antelope Valley and Carol Tallakson of Palmdale Parks & Recreation at the Red Cross shelter at Marie Kerr Park. All three agencies offer their assistance to first responders and residents affected by PowerhouseFire. Carlos and Carol are residents of Antelope Valley. Carol had ash all over her yard for the first time this morning 6/2/13. “You usually see endless blue sky here but not lately.” she said.

Photo: Christopher Sommer

The Canadian Valley Technology Center was badly damaged by strong storms moving through El Reno, Oklahoma May 31. The school is one of many building and homes damaged or destroyed. Red Cross volunteers are in El Reno providing shelter, meals, drinks and comfort.