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 Virginia Region, 12 of the area’s Red Cross volunteers are joining the massive disaster response and seven are assisting virtually.
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 “Initial reports indicate responding to this disaster could cost more than $10 million,” said C. Lee Clark, Chief Operating Officer of the Red Cross Virginia 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 today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP People can 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 toredcross.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 or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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