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.

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.

Biomedical Building Destroyed by Tornado

This is the biomedical building where a couple from Ohio just transferred to last month.

Gloria Vasquez

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

Hurricane Harriet

The American Red Cross has deployed 15 communications professionals to assist in the dissimination of life saving information to victims of Hurricane Harriet. As the latest disaster relief information comes becomes available, media professionals ensure it is distributed to local news outlets.

Peter Macias

Baby Harriet is born at shelter

This afternoon, a woman gave birth to a baby girl in a Richmond Red Cross shelter.  The mom, Sarah, said she knew she was getting close to labor when she heard the hurricane was headed to Virginia.  She didn’t expect she would need to evacuate in Richmond, but when she heard Hurricane Harriet took a turn to the north, she quickly packed her hospital bag and other necessities and left for the shelter.  A group of volunteers trained in First Aid assisted in the delivery of a beautiful baby girl.  Sarah decided there couldn’t be a more appropriate name than Harriet.  In the midst of a devastating storm, there is hope in Red Cross shelters around the state.  Baby Harriet is being well cared for by the community at this Richmond shelter.

Red Cross brings hope to victims after Hurricane Harriett

Hurricane Harriet has made her mark on all of us, and perhaps she will even displace Katrina in some people’s minds. But, she can’t displace the Red Cross and the help and hope it is bringing to tens of thousands of victims of this historic hurricane.

John Johnson, a volunteer disaster worker from Seattle, Washington, is one person that delivers the Red Cross spirit that cannot be stopped. John is now working in a northeast Richmond neighborhood for his fifth day, delivering meals to people he now knows by first name, that are just beginning to recover from flooding that violated their homes . . . and their lives.

Posted by Christine Powers

Red Cross Begins Disaster Assessment

Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers have begun assessing the damage left in the Raleigh area by Hurricane Hattie, which tore through the community on Sept. 5. Many area residents are still in evacuation shelters.
Dianna Van Horn

Hurricane Harriet

Massive, widespread flooding has occurred in parts of Southeastern Virginia, including Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and other cities.  The American Red Cross is currently assessing the damage and providing assistance.  Currently, the Red Cross has opened 60 shelters in the state.  The Red Cross is calling on blood donors in other states to donate after the blood bank in Norfolk, VA was hit by a tornado and the building does not have electricity.  Red Cross Spokesperson Jill Gorin says, “We are in need of Type O blood especially, since O donors are univeral and can give blood to persons with any blood type.”

Harriet…without Ozzie?

Hurricane Harriet was making her way – without Ozzie- to the Eastern shore of Virginia when I last checked the hurricane watch websites. In the Richmond area, residents have already been asked to evacuate- and it’s always the recommendation of the American Red Cross to follow the orders of local authorities. Emergency vehicles that were initially headed to North Carolina made a quick 360 and are headed to northern Virginia- Alexandria to be exact. There are sixty evac shelters open in Virginia alone, so no excuses for those asked to LEAVE. Take a 3 day supply of STUFF and be prepared to batten down the hatches, folks- seriously. Baby girl needs a ton of stuff to evac, so I have to forage and gather to make sure she’s taken care of- and baby dog needs his stuff too! Be safe, be well and be prepared.

Ingrid Bailey