Red Cross Shelters 10,000+ in Louisiana
Flooding Worst Disaster Since Superstorm Sandy
Estimated costs could exceed $10 million; Red Cross asks for public support
PROVIDENCE, RI (August 16, 2016)- The American Red Cross is helping thousands of
people in Louisiana affected by the devastating flooding there, likely the worst
natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. More than 500 disaster volunteers
from all over the country are on their way to help in Louisiana. The Red Cross has
also mobilized 60 disaster response vehicles, 40,000 ready-to-eat meals and more
than two dozen trailer loads of shelter and kitchen supplies.
Here in the Connecticut and Rhode Island Region of the Red Cross, five of the area’s
Red Cross volunteers are joining the massive disaster response, by physically
deploying to Louisiana. The latest to deploy is Donna Hathaway who will serve as a
Health Services Supervisor in Louisiana and is a responder from the Uncasville area.
In addition to the five volunteers who have physically deployed to Louisiana, an
additional eight volunteers have virtually deployed as call center volunteers. These
volunteers will remain local and will take shifts answering calls coming in from the
impacted area providing support and assistance to those in need.
Preliminary reports indicate as many as 10,000 homes are damaged, forcing thousands
of people from their homes. Those affected are being supported in numerous Red Cross
and community shelters where they can find a safe place to stay and food to eat.
Many of the Louisiana Red Cross volunteers helping their neighbors have also been
affected by the flooding.
The Red Cross is also working closely with the entire response community to
coordinate relief efforts and deliver help quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind
the diverse needs of the community. Some of the organizations sending help to the
area include Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, the NAACP, Islamic Relief USA, Church
of the Brethren Children’s Disaster Services, Save the Children, AmeriCorps National
Civilian Community Corps and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints volunteers.
HOW TO
HELP<https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation?campname=genericflood&campmedium=aspot_mo2>
«Initial reports indicate responding to this disaster could cost more than $10
million said Mario Bruno, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island
Region. «The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the public to support our work.
We urgently need people to join us in supporting Louisiana by making a financial
donation today, as well as to consider volunteering to help us provide relief on the
ground.»
People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the
word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to
prepare for, respond to and help people recovery from these disasters.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
People can make a difference in someone’s life by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. To
join us, visit redcross.org
volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY
APP
download the free Red Cross Emergency App now to be ready in case of a disaster in
their community. They can use the app’s «I’m Safe» button to connect with their
loved ones and receive emergency alerts and shelter information. The Emergency App
can be found in the app store for someone’s mobile device by searching for «American
Red Cross» or by going to
redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of
disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save
lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and
their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on
volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For
more information, please visit redcross.org
cruzrojaamericana.org
@RedCross