Press Release « American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Press Release: Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Efforts Continue to Expand

July 23, 2010

Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Efforts Continue to Expand

LEXINGTON, KY – With the additional flooding in Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday and Wednesday, the American Red Cross has expanded its relief operations. Now operating in Pike, Carter, Lewis, and Rowan counties, Red Cross damage assessments indicate at least 250 homes have been either destroyed or heavily damaged.

Additional Red Cross staff members have been called in from around the country to assist with the relief operations. Relief efforts include immediate emergency assistance, such as sheltering, feeding, and distribution of bulk cleaning items, and client casework.

As relief efforts expand so does community support. On Thursday, UK Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari pledged $5,000 from the Calipari Family Foundation. “During the Hoops for Haiti telethon I witnessed first hand the power of the Big Blue Nation,” Calipari said. “Now it’s time for us to step up and help our friends and neighbors right here in the Commonwealth. Ellen and I are going to lead the way with this gift and we hope all of the big blue nation will join us in reaching out to those who have been affected by this disaster.”

Anyone wishing to request assistance from the American Red Cross should contact their local Red Cross Chapter.

All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge. Anyone wishing to make a financial contribution to the Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief effort may call the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross at 859-253-1331 or visit redcrosslexky.org.

Leave a Comment » | Press Release, Summer Floods 2010 | Tagged: disaster, flooding, kentucky, lexington, Press Release, red cross | Permalink
Posted by amrecro

Press Release: American Red Cross Officials Prepare for Tropical Storm

July 22, 2010

American Red Cross Officials Prepare for Tropical Storm

Huntsville, AL – As a potential development of a tropical storm threatens the coastal states, American Red Cross Disaster Relief Volunteers and Officials are prepared for landfall. Red Cross is the first agency on the scene of disasters to provide shelter, meals, and other disaster-caused needs to those affected. Mary Moreillon, Executive Director, states, “In preparation for the 2010 Hurricane season, critical disaster relief supplies are strategically pre-positioned in hurricane prone states. Potential shelter locations are being identified and equipped to receive evacuees. Red Cross Volunteer crews throughout the Red Cross network, including North Alabama, along with their Emergency Response Vehicles, are on stand-by for deployment to assist with bulk distribution of supplies, mobile feeding and shelter operations.”

Leave a Comment » | Disaster Alerts, Hurricane Season 2010 | Tagged: gulf coast, Press Release, red cross, tropical storm | Permalink
Posted by amrecro

Press Release: The UPS Foundation and the American Red Cross Pre-positioning of Supplies for the 2010 Hurricane Season

July 15, 2010

The UPS Foundation and the American Red Cross Pre-positioning of Supplies for the 2010 Hurricane Season

In preparation for the 2010 Hurricane Season, the American Red Cross has moved critical disaster relief stock to our Disaster Field Supply Centers (DFSCs) in the hurricane prone states. The DFSCs are strategically placed throughout TX, MS, AL, GA and FL to cover the Gulf of Mexico and in NC, VA, PA and NJ to provide coverage along the East Coast. While we have made strategic decisions to position stock in our DFSCs, we still have identified high risk areas where on-site (pre-positioned) support is needed.

For last year’s hurricane season, The UPS Foundation generously funded pre-positioning in vulnerable areas by moving and storing goods. The Foundation had also offered to help identify UPS buildings that could potentially be used as disaster relief operation (DRO) headquarters. We understand that The Foundation is willing to assist once again. Outlined below are basic needs for this season as well as the rationale behind our pre-positioning strategy including our recent experience. As in 2009, our respective logistics staff will work on the necessary details.

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Posted by amrecro

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.

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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Leave a Comment » | Press Release, Summer Tornadoes 2010 | Tagged: minnesota, Press Release, tornadoes | Permalink
Posted by amrecro

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.

1 Comment | Press Release, Summer Floods 2010 | Tagged: flooding, missouri, Press Release, red cross | Permalink
Posted by amrecro

Press Release: Red Cross Responds Across Minnesota to Help Those Affected by Tornadoes

June 18, 2010

Red Cross Responds Across Minnesota to Help Those Affected by Tornadoes

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, June 18, 2010 – Volunteers with the American Red Cross are on the ground helping those affected by the devastating storms that passed through the Upper Midwest on Thursday.

Red Cross disaster response teams are providing mass care, damage assessment, and emotional support in the most affected areas, including Faribault, Freeborn, Steele, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Polk, and Wadena counties. All Red Cross evacuation shelters opened on Thursday are now closed.

Early assessments indicate that there will be some need for emergency relief supplies such as tarpaulins, plywood, and clean up materials in some areas. Feeding operations have begun in several communities.

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Posted by amrecro

Press Release: Red Cross Launches Relief Efforts for Oklahoma Tornado

May 11, 2010

Red Cross Launches Relief Efforts for Oklahoma Tornado
Responses Ongoing in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, May 11, 2010 – From the plains of the Midwest to the deep south, the American Red Cross is providing a safe place to stay and relief supplies for thousands of people displaced by tornadoes and floods. Even as relief operations continue full force in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama, the Red Cross has opened shelters in Oklahoma after last night’s tornadoes.

“These storms have left thousands across the country without homes; without any belongings,” said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President for Red Cross Disaster Services. “Our disaster teams are in the Midwest and across the South, and will be there for as long as it takes to help people get back on their feet.”

Press Release: American Red Cross Responds to Area Tornado and Severe Weather Threats in Northeast Wisconsin

May 5, 2010

American Red Cross Responds to Area Tornado and Severe Weather Threats in Northeast Wisconsin

Oshkosh, WI – At approximately 7:10pm Tuesday, May 4 a Tornado Warning was issued for Winnebago County in East Central WI. The American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region went into action by doing a call down of Winnebago County Disaster Team Volunteers to be on alert and a shelter team was put on standby.

Calls where made to surrounding Red Cross personnel in Neenah/Menasha, Fond Du Lac and Green Bay in case additional assistance was needed.

According to the Winnebago County Office of Emergency Management approximately 15 properties in the towns of Clayton, Winchester and Wolf River have been damaged. One home in the Town of Clayton has sustained damage to its roof.

Press Release: Red Cross Relief Efforts Continue in Tennessee

May 4, 2010

Red Cross Relief Efforts Continue

Volunteers Deliver Hope and Help in Flood Affected Communities

(MURFREESBORO) May 4, 2010 – Heart of Tennessee Chapter Volunteers have been canvassing affected communities in LaVergne today doing damage assessment and to deliver water, snacks, comfort kits and clean-up kits with supplies to help local residents in their flood clean-up efforts. Red Cross comfort kits include basic necessities such as soap, a comb, razor, shampoo, washcloth etc. Clean-up kits are designed to help residents clean up their homes after any major disaster and include a mop, bucket, bleach, gloves, a sponge and other basic cleaning items.

“When you lose everything in a disaster, such as a flood, you realize how important it is to have to basic cleaning items not only for your home, but for yourself and your family as well,” said Heart of Tennessee Chapter Emergency Services Director, Brian Toll.

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Leave a Comment » | Press Release, Spring Floods 2010 | Tagged: flood, Press Release, shelter, tennessee | Permalink
Posted by amrecro