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.

More Supplies Arrive for Hurricane Harriet Evancuees

As the storm was downgraded today, Virginia residents began to survey the damage of their neighborhoods. However, thousands are unable to return home because their communities have suffered some level of damage. Here, at the Norfolk County Lyon Hill High School, families are coming together. More supplies arrived this morning, including snacks, water, mops, toiletries and stuffed animals for children.

The Smith family has seen the flooding on television and are worried about their own home near the coast. “My daughter, wife and I left our home yesterday. Staying at the shelter is kind of like camping,” stated Mr. Smith of the Red Cross shelter. As more supplies arrived, residents seemed relieved and grateful. “We are worried about our home and stuff but it is nice to not to have to worry about where our next meal will come from,” Mr. Smith continued.

Volunteers were on hand to unload the additional supplies that were shipped from Tennessee. They drove through the night to ensure the extra food and blankets arrived by morning.

Amber Beck

Red Cross Workers Safe from Building Collapse

Donna Morrissey and Melissa Quinlan were among the last employees in the Norfolk, VA American Red Cross Blood Services facility when Hurricane Harriet barreled down on the building, bringing devasting winds and pelting rain.  They tried to stay at their post but the building began to sustain extensive damage.  Windows were blown out, parts of the roof broke free and water began to rapidly rise inside the components laboratory.  There was no power as the generators were destroyed and the phone lines were down. 

Morrissey and Quinlan remained calm and made the only decision they could, which was to flee and hope they could survive the conditions and reach safety.  Luckily, the Norfolk County Correctional Institute was a quarter mile away.  The two joined arms, braved the wind and faced their most daunting task of their lives, to survive the storm.  There was flying debris that at times stuck them, knocking them off their feet.  Morrissey sustained a debilitating injury when a hubcap struck her in the knee.  Quinlan would not leave her side and together they perservered.  Limping, water soaked, brusied and battered, the two arrived at the Correctional Institute seeking shelter.  Morrissey and Quinlan were welcomed by correctional officers and were able to ride out the storm  They are extremely worried about their co-workers who chose to stay behind. 

Posted by: Donna Morrissey and Melissa Quinlan

Red Cross Blood Bank Destroyed in Hurricane

Hurricane Harriet battered the Norfolk area causing severe damage to the blood bank and creating a severe shortage of blood to the region.  The Red Cross is requesting the American public to contact their local Red Cross Chapter and assist the Red Cross in their hour of need.

Story:  Laurel Goforth   Photo Credit:  Gary Bishop

Red Cross Shelters Provide Safe Haven for Hurricane Victims

Thousands of people are finding a safe place to ride out Hurricane Harriett at Red Cross shelters in Virginia and North Carolina. Red Cross volunteers are trained and dedicated to helping people get through disasters such as this. Thousands of people have registered themselves on the Safe and Well website on redcross.org. Red Cross encourages everyone impacted by the storm to do the same. You can contact a loved one out of the area to register you. That peace of mind brings great comfort to loved ones.

Hurricane Harriet Response

Red Cross volunteers and staff stand immediately ready to assist communities in the path of this storm.  Shelters are open and supplies are in place.  Please call 1-800-REDCROSS or log on to www.redcross.org for the most up to date information.

 

Jennifer Ryan, ARC Public Affairs Manager