The Red Cross provided comfort to the family.

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The day after

Coming from the Midwest I have never been through a Hurricane.  I was astounded to see the devastation that a storm can do to so many.  Five Red Cross workers who braved the storm to stay behind and make sure a Biomedical Facility was secure, lost their lives when the building caved in.  I have only worked with the Red Cross for about five months, I cannot imagine how employees who have been with the organization for years must feel about such a terrible loss.

How can I help?

The question we keep hearing is, “how can people in the rest of the country help?” Simply put, call 1-800-REDCROSS or register online to give blood.

We know there are long lines forming at some of the blood centers around the country. The last thing we at the Red Cross want is for people to get discouraged and decide not to give. Make an appointment–maybe even for next week or the week after–and keep it. Many people have been injured by the hurricane and will need blood not just today, but in the weeks to come.

And when you’re done making your appointment to give blood, take one more minute to make a donation. Remember, the Red Cross is in every community every day teaching people how to save lives, connecting members of the military and giving disaster relief to your neighbors in need.

Hurricane Harriet Devastates Thousands

Hurricane Harriet struck Virgina today leaving thousands of Americans homeless. Local Red Cross volunteers are working around the clock to provide emergency assistance to affected communities. The American Red Cross is asking the public to support Red Cross relief efforts with donations of blood or financial assistance.

The Red Cross Works to Relieve Human Suffering

I arrived yesterday and I am touched by the kind and generous outporting from this community. This is truly an example of neighbor helping neighbor. This is what help is all about.

Disaster Assessment teams move into Virginia Beach

American Red Cross disaster assessment teams are getting their first look at flooded areas in Virginia’s Tidewater region in the wake of Hurricane Harriet.   Information gathered by these assessment teams will be used to help provide assistance to families and individuals affected by the storm.  This business is located in a flooded area in Virginia Beach.

Keith Acree

Damage massive, Shelters Open for those in need

Hurricane Harriet brings massive damge to the Richmond area. The Red Cross is on the scene and has shelters open at the following areas:

1234 Main Street
Richmond
…….

Sifting Through the Debris

You Can Help!

A Red Cross volunteer assesses the damage in Norfolk, Va.

Thousands of Virginians are waking up this morning to the sight of total destruction in the wake of Hurricane Harriet. American Red Cross volunteers are beginning the process of assessing the damage to help determine the needs of those affected.

Though damage appears to be widespread, Red Cross officials are confident that they will be able to provide services to the thousands of residents who are now in shelters. They are, however, asking the public to help their efforts by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. For more information, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.RedCross.org. 

 

Red Cross Ready to Roll

Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) prepare to hit the road ready with emergency supplies (including food and drinks) for those affected by Hurricane Harriet.  The ERVs will deliver these items to the neighborhoods hit hardest by the deadly storms. 

Thousands Affected in Aftermath of Hurricane Harriet

Hurricane Harriet, a Category 4 storm, caused large scale flooding and wind damage as it roared through southeastern Virginia and parts of North Carolina.  Residents in these areas were evacuated with many taking cover in Red Cross shelters.  The Red Cross had over 100 shelters operating throughout the region, with 10 additional community buildings opened to accomdate residents who had lost their homes.  “The devastation is truly unbelievable,” said Red Cross spokesperson Jane Smith.  “So many of these people have lived in these homes their entire life and now have nothing to go back to.  We are here to provide not only the physical needs but also to share in the emotional toll this disaster has taken.”

Across the country, the generosity of the American spirit has been evident as many have come forward to volunteer in the affected areas as well as offer monetary and blood donations.  Some blood donors have even faced waits for several hours for the opportunity to donate blood.  Mark Johnson, a blood donor in Ohio, says it’s worth the wait.  “I am blessed to not be affected by this disaster but so many others are.  I’m healthy and able to donate so why wouldn’t I?  It’s a way to give back and help, even though I can’t be there in person.”

The Red Cross will continue to maintain a presence in the affected areas as residents begin the long recovery process.  Those needing assistance are encouraged to call 1-800-RED-CROSS and for more information on the aid and recovery efforts of the Red Cross, visit www.RedCross.org.

Christina Chapman