Day 7 - 8/29/05, American Red Cross Launches Largest Mobilization Effort in History for Hurricane Katrina

WASHINGTON, Monday, August 29, 2005 — The American Red Cross is launching the largest mobilization of resources in its history for a single natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina, a deadly Category 4 storm, is barreling ashore this morning along the Gulf Coast and has the potential to leave widespread devastation in its wake.

"Hurricane Katrina is wreaking havoc for southeast Florida and the Gulf coast states," said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Response for the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross will meet the challenge by doing what we do best—coming together to respond with tireless compassion to take care of our neighbors."

The Red Cross is mobilizing on all fronts to bring relief to storm victims. More than two hundred Red Cross shelters are housing thousands of residents who fled Katrina’s wrath. All available resources from across the country, including thousands of staff and volunteers are being moved to safe areas, so additional relief efforts can begin immediately after the storm passes. More than 200 emergency response vehicles (ERVs) and countless other Red Cross resources are en route or on the scene to provide hot meals, snacks, bottled water and distribute other much-needed relief supplies. In coordination with the Southern Baptists, preparations have been made to provide more than 500,000 hot meals to storm-weary residents each day.

"We are prepared at every level for what will likely be a catastrophic disaster," said Lois Grady-Wesbecher, Manager of the Disaster Operations Center at American Red Cross national headquarters. "When Mother Nature is at her worst, the American Red Cross is at its best."

Hurricane Katrina strengthened into one of the fiercest storms ever seen in the U.S. Not only has Katrina intensified, but it has also grown substantially in size—it is now about 460 miles wide—the distance from New Orleans to Atlanta. Destruction from this storm will not be limited to coastal areas. After making landfall Hurricane Katrina will progress inland Monday leaving behind a trail of flooding rains and damaging winds, spreading across the country and eventually into the Northeast. The Red Cross will continue to provide a safe haven and disaster assistance to victims along its path.

American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of this and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org

American Red Cross - Online Donation Form

Online Donation Form:

Hurricane experts predict that this will be one of the most active hurricane seasons in recent history. Hurricane Katrina is the eleventh named storm in this busy 2005 hurricane season. The Red Cross is responding to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, flooding in Texas, as well as preparing to respond to the next disaster, wherever that may be. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, including hurricanes, by making a financial gift to the Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. 

The American Red Cross is not a government agency and all Red Cross disaster assistance is free thanks to the generosity of people like you.The value of your donation is increased by the fact that the ratio of volunteer Red Cross workers to paid staff is almost 36 to one.
Contributions to the American Red Cross, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes. 

Again, help the Red Cross help others. Give generously. Thanks!

Comments

[Kerry Wright]

We are a small rural high school in Arizona that has a very active Community Project component for our students. When the 9/11 disaster occurred, our students were able to collect multitudes of work gloves, flashlights, batteries, dog booties, etc. Our community is small and our students are by no means wealthy but they would like to be able to start a drive to provide needed items for victims of Katrina. We know that we can hold a car wash and earn money but our students love to collect needed items also. Is there anything we can collect to send through the Red Cross?

[Jamy Hermsen]

I'm interested in volunteering for disaster relief, for Hurricane Katrina. I live in Florida and have experienced losses from 2004 hurricanes that hit. I want to help in any way that I can, but I don't know how to get information on what exactly I could help with. Please e-mail me with some information if it is available, to let me know if I can volunteer in any of the states that were affected. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you,

Jamy Hermsen

[Debra Gilbert]

I am trying to find out if my 2 family members survived the hurricane Katrina in Biloxi. IF you have any information on August or Terina Alves please email me back. They live at 1530 Collins Street but they were going to stay at the Ocean Springs Super Eight motel. Please help. 678-895-3267. Debra

[Leslie Morrisey]

I have friend in New Orleans her name is Michelle Mercadale, I have not heard from her and I'm very worried. Is there a way I can find out if she is in a shelter.

[Tinika Veley]

I would like to help by donating food, clothing, and water to the victims of the Hurricane. However, I am unsure of what I should do? I live in the Chicago area. Please send information.
-Thank you

[STEPHANIE VALLECILLO]

Is it alright for me to quote info from this article (with full credit given of course and the url link)on another site? I feel many people will be awakened and inpired to help by reading this.... My prayers to all the victims.

[Pam Tipton]

I just heard we have over 2000 people displaced by Hurricane Katrina that are on their way to St. Louis. Where can I donate clothing in St. Louis for Hurricane Katrina survivors?

[hUBERT tERRELL]

I am an evacuee,
I want to return to Biloxi to remove items from my apartment at 674 Beach Blvd #404, Biloxi.
I am unable to find info as to whether I can enter the building (I know it is still standing)
Please help me.
Thank you.

[MIKE SPELLS]

I live in a adult mobile home park in Tampa,Florida.I have a newly remodeled 14x56 moble home for sale in a adult park.55or older.$15,000 and we will give $ 500.00 to help relocate.lot rent $245.00 month.real clean and nice park. Thanks Mike