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Posted: Thursday, 01 November 2012 5:26AM
Ways you can help the Sandy recovery effort
• GIVE BLOOD: Approximately 300 Red Cross blood drives have already been cancelled due to the storm, and more are expected. This represents a loss of as many as 10,500 blood and platelet products. The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas where it is safe to do so. To schedule an appointment, please go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
• MAKE A DONATION: Financial donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy, as well as countless crises at home and around the world.
Their are multiple ways to make a donation...
- Visit www.redcross.org
- Call 1-800-RED-CROSS
- Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
- Mail to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013
- Send to your local Red Cross Chapter.
THE RED CROSS RESPONSE
With communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast suffering from widespread power outages, wind damage and significant flooding from Superstorm Sandy, the Red Cross has provided more than 23,000 overnight shelter stays since Saturday. Tuesday night, more than 9,000 people stayed in 171 Red Cross shelters across 13 states.
On the ground, the Red Cross has more than 2,300 Red Cross disaster workers from all over the country who have served more than 100,800 meals and snacks. The Red Cross has activated nearly 200 emergency response vehicles that are beginning to circulate through some communities distributing meals, water and snacks.
While access into many areas is still difficult, the Red Cross is working hard to get help to where it is needed. As roads and airports re-open and people are able to travel again, more Red Cross disaster workers, vehicles and relief supplies will be arriving.
COPING IN THE AFTERMATH
While residents will be anxious to return home, families and individuals should go back to their neighborhoods only when officials have declared the area safe.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- Stay out of any building that has water around it.
- Before reentering homes, residents should look for loose power lines, damaged gas lines or other hazards that pose dangers.
- Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around the home.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated and check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
