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Posted: 06/26/2008 @ 03:07 PMIn the last 10 weeks, the American Red Cross has responded to 36 large disasters that have destroyed homes and uprooted lives across our country. Flooding, tornadoes and wildfires, have made this a devastating year for disasters – and the height of hurricane season is fast approaching. The Red Cross is on the scene providing shelter, hot meals and a helping hand. We are making every effort to reduce costs, but we now anticipate spending more than $30 million for recent disasters, and our Disaster Relief Fund is depleted.
o The current tornadoes and flooding response in the Central U.S. and the wildfires in California are expected to cost $25 million at this time.
o We continue to closely monitor the wildfires situation in California. More than 800 wildfires have been sparked across the state of California – an early start to what forecasters say could be a long, dry season. The Red Cross has been helping people displaced by the fires and the stifling smoke, as well as the rescue workers. The Red Cross has provided almost 500 overnight stays in 11 shelters. We have distributed more than 3,500 meals and snacks to date. Though the situation warrants great threat, the costs at this time are less than $200,000—this is subject to change based on the status of the wildfires.
o April and May were unusually active months, with non-stop tornadoes, floods and smaller forest fires. The total cost for these operations are estimated to be $5.5M.Flooding Headlines Highlight Safety...
Posted: 06/23/2008 @ 04:19 PMThe American Red Cross Urges Safety in States Affected by Flooding
As some residents in Central U.S. recover, others are preparing for potential flooding
National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.orgWASHINGTON, Saturday, June 21, 2008 — The American Red Cross forges on with relief efforts as hundreds of thousands of residents in states across the Midwest continue to feel the effects of recent flooding, as some are allowed to return to damaged homes and many others remain in shelters. Along the Mississippi River, residents in Missouri and Illinois brace themselves as the river surpasses record flood levels and continues to break or compromise levees.
More than 4,000 Red Cross disaster workers are aiding relief efforts in eight states from Kansas to West Virginia. In preparation for potential flood conditions along the Missouri-Illinois border, 19 shelters are operating and thousands of meals and snacks have been provided.
In areas where flooding is likely to occur soon, it is crucial for residents to take action to get better prepared and be “Red Cross Ready”: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.
Get a Kit: Gather supplies including 3 days worth of food and water, a first aid kit, battery-operated radio, batteries, flashlight, medicine, cash and other important items into a sealable, easy to carry container. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.RedCross.org.
Make a Plan: Choose an out-of-the-area emergency contact to check in with. Tell your family about the Safe and Well website on www.RedCross.org where you can register your well being. Plan ahead to find a hotel or motel where your pets could stay in a disaster situation.
Be Informed: Find out how local authorities will contact you in an emergency. If a flood WATCH is issued, listen to local weather reports on your batter-operated radio. Follow the advice of local authorities and if you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
The Red Cross also urges all who have been affected by floods to use caution. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving floodwater produces more force than most people imagine. If you are in a car and your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. When returning home:
Listen: Follow the advice of local authorities
Be safe: Avoid downed power lines and smell for gas when entering your home or office. Wear protective clothing like rubber gloves and boots when cleaning your home.
“When in doubt, throw it out”: Dispose of food, beverages and medicine exposed to floodwaters and mud, including canned goods, capped bottles and sealed containers. Water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency such as a flood. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your water supply is tested and found safe.
Get rid of mold: Mold can cause asthma attacks or irritate your eyes, nose and skin. Remove all items that have been wet for more than 48 hours. To clean hard surfaces, use commercial cleaning products or a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
For more information on how you can prepare for a flood or other disaster, contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit www.RedCross.org, where you can also find details on the ongoing relief efforts in the Central United States.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the tornadoes and floods in the Central United States, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
Natural Disaster Overwhelm...
Posted: 06/23/2008 @ 04:16 PM
Natural Disasters Overwhelm Central United States; Red Cross Responds
June 18, 2008The following message is from Jeff Towers, Chief Development Officer and Kevin Brown, Chief Operating Officer:
As the flooding progresses and our relief efforts continue to evolve, we know that this will be a costly effort for the Red Cross. We already know that the cost will reach at least $15 million and may go even higher. To date, we have raised $5.5 million.
We have been very public in our announcement of an "appeal" for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). We have pulled out all of the stops to tell America that the DRF is empty and taken an aggressive fundraising posture. Because of this, many of you have asked if we have launched a "formal" fundraising campaign outside the affected areas, one which typically requires chapter and state goals and high level reporting and monitoring.
While the cost figure is significant, we believe it is below the threshold for launching a formal, nationwide fundraising campaign. That said, we need a total organizational effort to raise the needed funds.
Indeed, raising the millions of dollars needed for these relief operations will require all of us to work together. So, to be clear, here is what we are asking you to do:
Visit CrossNet: Materials from Fundraising and Public Affairs are being updated on a regular basis. These items include talking points, FAQs, photos, video, fundraising guidance, PSAs, donor bulletins, solicitation letters, and acknowledgment letters. We ask you to share this story with your donors and media.
Reach out to donors who have an interest in disaster and ask them to consider making a gift to the DRF. With the heightened media visibility, now is a good time to engage interested donors.
We know that the affected chapters are working hard to provide disaster services and raise money in their own communities. We are proud of their efforts. Now is the time for the Red Cross to help our neighbors in the Midwest. If you have further questions, please contact your regional chapter or the Disaster Fundraising Unit at national headquarters.
Red Cross Assistance Spans Coast-to-Coast
Posted: 06/17/2008 @ 12:11 PMAmerican Red Cross Supports Thousands
Madison, WI, June 16, 2008 – With more than 8,600 items distributed to date, the Red Cross will continue providing materials and services at fixed sites and through 26 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) which are combing flood stricken communities to provide emergency services. Services and personnel are spanning from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan throughout southern Wisconsin.
In addition to serving more than 8,000 meals and snacks, the ERVs have clean-up and comfort kits, drinking water and often a mental health professional. “Having someone to talk to who understands has given me great support and the Red Cross has been there for me,” stated Irene Mickelson, who registered along with her daughter, Hailey (8), earlier in the day. On Tuesday, ERVs will travel throughout affected areas to assist residents. These specialized “strike teams” will travel in Columbus, Iowa, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Portage and Winnebago counties providing valuable services.
Central distribution points for enhanced clean-up materials will continue on Tuesday. Materials available to flood victims are free and include items such as rakes, shovels, towels, masks, gloves, sun screen, bug repellent, hand sanitizer, bottled water, comfort kits and more, depending on the local need. In addition, client service stations will also be active which includes mental health services as well as client caseworkers who can help assess what type of services will be required in the coming days
Tuesday’s Bulk Distribution & Fixed Service Sites Include: (Subject to change in the coming days)
Richland County
Richland Center High School
23200 Hornet High Road************
Milwaukee County
American Red Cross Chapter Office
2600 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee************
Sauk County
Reedsburg High School
1100 Albert Avenue************
Dodge County
Washington Elementary School
600 Grove Street
Beaver Dam
************
Portage County
Portage High School
301 Collins************
Vernon County
Ontario Fire Depart.
303 East B St.
LaFarge HS
301 West Adams St,
Viola Methodist Church
404 North Commercial ST.
Readstown Peace Lutheran Church
112 East Center St.
De Soto Community Center
De Soto, WI
Viroqua Living Faith Church
852 North Main St.************
Monroe County
Kendall Village Hall
219 East Railroad St.************
In addition, Red Cross services can be requested by calling 866-GET-INFO. For tips and other vital information about cleaning-up flood damage, can be found in the book “Repairing Your Flooded Home” written by the Red Cross and FEMA. To find a free copy, log-onto www.redcrossinsewis.org.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest Tornadoes and Floods by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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