American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

NY Red Cross Assists Residents After Fierce Storm Sweeps Through NYC

September 17, 2011 – A violent storm, carrying the hallmarks of a tornado, with close to 100 mile an hour winds, swept through New York City around 5:30 last night, leaving downed trees, roofs blown clear off houses, and debris strewn across neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. NY Red Cross relief workers immediately responded to help affected residents in all three boroughs. Additionally, the Chapter activated its Brooklyn, Bronx, and Manhattan Disaster Action Teams (DATs) and placed its Queens and Staten Island DATs on standby to provide support as necessary, or to open a Red Cross shelter if the need arose.

The Chapter registered a total of 63 people (50 adults and 13 children) throughout the affected areas for Red Cross services, which can include emergency funds for food, clothing and other basic necessities. Temporary housing was required for four households (10 adults and 6 children) in Brooklyn, one of the worst hit areas.

Red Cross responders continue to work with displaced residents registered for assistance to determine their immediate needs, and are in the process of conducting further damage assessment throughout the affected areas to determine additional needs for emergency care and assistance.

“This storm blew through the city in mere minutes, leaving an amazing amount of destruction behind,” said Chief Response Officer Bob Imbornoni. “Mother Nature can turn one’s life upside down in a New York minute, which is why the NY Red Cross urges everyone to be prepared before an emergency or disaster occurs.” Be Red Cross Ready by taking 3 simple steps: Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed.

You can help people affected by disasters like this here and around the world by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. You can now donate by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief, visit www.nyredcross.org or call 1-877-REDCROSS (1-877-733-2767). Contributions may also be sent to American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 W. 49th Street, New York, NY 10019.