Tag Archives: Disaster Services

Fire Drives Residents from Home, Draws Red Cross Workers for Help

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This resident of a home on E. 82nd St. in Cleveland received Red Cross assistance, including money to buy shoes, after fleeing his burning home in bare feet.

He stood in his bare feet as he watched his home burn.  The man, one of three residents of a multi-family house on E. 82nd Street in Cleveland, was awakened by firefighters pounding on his door just after dawn Monday morning, and fled with no shoes or socks on his feet.

Two other residents,  Therens Vitanzan and Larry Anderson also escaped.  All three received financial assistance from the Red Cross, to help them with their immediate needs; a safe place to stay, a warm meal, and for one of the residents, shoes.

Greater Cleveland Chapter Disaster Relief Van on the scene of a fire on E. 82nd. St.
Greater Cleveland Chapter Disaster Program Manager Jeremy Bayer surveys the damage
Red Cross workers assist residents
Greater Cleveland Chapter Disaster Program Manager Jeremy Bayer offers help to a resident
Greater Cleveland Chapter Disaster Program Manager Jeremy Bayer offers assistance
The Red Cross responds to a home fire on E. 82nd St. in Cleveland

“That’s why we go,” said Disaster Program Manager Jeremy Bayer of the Greater Cleveland Chapter. “People who just lost their home, all their possessions, they need our help and the hope we can give them during their darkest hour.”

In addition to financial aid, the suddenly homeless residents received a small plastic bag filled with personal items like a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap.

Mr. Vitanzan, who was wrapped in a blanket, sat quietly in a van that doubles as an intake office at disaster locations, while Walter Reddick, a Red Cross volunteer, offered what comfort he could.  Walter also helped Mr. Anderson, who was grateful to escape from his burning home with his prized possession: his guitar.

Fire destroyed this home on E. 82nd St. in Cleveland, forcing the three residents to flee
Resident Therens Vitanzan receives assistance from Red Cross volunteer Walter Reddick
Red Cross client Therens Vitanzan
Red Cross volunteer Walter Reddick and client Therens Vitanzan
Therens Vitanzan walks away from his charred home after receiving Red Cross assistance.
Red Cross volunteer Walter Reddick and client Therens Vitanzan
Red Cross Disaster Program Manager Jeremy Bayer, volunteer Walter Reddick and client Therens Vitanzan
Red Cross client Larry Anderson receives assistance from Red Cross volunteer Walter Reddick
Red Cross Disaster Program Manager Jeremy Bayer and client Larry Anderson

Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

In the coming days, all three residents will receive follow-up care from Red Cross case workers, who will help them develop a plan for recovery from the fire that forced them from their homes.

They were fortunate to escape without suffering serious injuries.Fire experts agree that people may have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. Seven times a day, someone in this country dies in a home fire.

Incidents like this highlight the importance of having working smoke alarms in every residence in Northeast Ohio, and the Red Cross is ready, willing and able to install free smoke alarms and provide valuable fire safety information to residents in their homes. Northeast Ohio residents can visit the Operation Save-A-Life website to contact their local Red Cross chapter and schedule an appointment for a free home safety inspection, free smoke alarms and free installation.

It’s our goal to reduce the number of deaths and injuries due to home fires by 25% over a five-year period.  Last year,  the Red Cross and its partners saved at least 102 lives as part of its nationwide Home Fire Campaign, and in Northeast Ohio, 12 lives were saved and more than 12,500 free smoke alarms were installed in homes throughout the Region.

 

NEO Volunteers Deploy to Louisiana Flooding

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Red Cross disaster workers — including 8 from here in Northeast Ohio — are helping thousands of Louisiana residents with a safe place to stay and food to eat despite closed roads and continued flooding making it challenging to get relief supplies to where they are needed.

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Volunteers, Sue and Linda left from the Cleveland office in an emergency response vehicle this morning. A second team left from Youngstown.

The truck (lovingly referred to as an ERV by Red Cross staff) will be used transport cleaning items like mops, buckets and bleach or hot meals prepared by our partners at one of the eight Southern Baptist kitchens out in to the communities affected by the flood.

The current flooding in Louisiana is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy.

Monday night more than 8,400 people sought refuge in 36 Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana. More than 1,000 Red Cross disaster volunteers have been mobilized from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to help with the Louisiana relief efforts. The Red Cross is also mobilizing over 60 ERVS — like the two that left Northeast Ohio this morning — with nearly 40,000 ready-to-eat meals, and dozens of trailers filled with shelter and kitchen supplies.

“People in Louisiana urgently need our help now,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO. “Please consider making a financial donation to the Red Cross today.”

HOW TO HELP People in Louisiana are facing a dire situation. Floodwaters still cover neighborhoods. An estimated 25,000 homes are damaged, affecting at least 75,000 people. Thousands of people have no power when it feels like 99 degrees outside and more than 100 roads are closed. 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.

FINDING LOVED ONES Residents of the affected areas can connect with their loved ones by using the “I’m Safe” button on the Red Cross Emergency App which is free and 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.

People can also visit http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and private way that friends and family connect. The site also allows people to update their status on Facebook and Twitter.

JOINT RELIEF EFFORT The Red Cross is 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, AFL-CIO, Verizon, Duracell, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Baton Route YMCA and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints volunteers.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER To become a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org/neo and click on VOLUNTEER today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

Wanted: AmeriCorps Workers for NEO American Red Cross Corps

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americorps

WHO: Highly energized and passionate individuals who are prepared to serve full-time (including nights and weekends) to serve the mission of the American Red Cross

WHAT: Red Cross Corps (RCC) is a National AmeriCorps program with a goal of building capacity to deliver Preparedness Education across the country. Members will aim to reach 750 youth and 250 adults with Preparedness Education. In addition, each member will train 5 volunteers to help make Preparedness Education a sustainable community program.

WHEN: Members complete the program on August 11, 2017

WHERE:  Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Chapter
                  501 West Market St.
Akron, Ohio 44303

Click here for a full listing of American Red Cross AmeriCorps programs (National and State)

WHY: Red Cross Corps members will have an unique opportunity to impact their communities with life-saving preparedness education. By serving with the Red Cross, members are not only part of a national movement of service, but will also be connected to a humanitarian organization that strives to help people when they need it most!

Member Benefits:

  • Living allowance up to $14,000 (taxable) for 11 months of service
  • $5,775 Education Award. The Segal Education Award is good for seven years from the end of service and can be used to repay qualifiedstudent loans or for future education at eligible schools. National members age 55 and older at the time of service may be eligible to transfer the award to certain family members. Learn more about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
  • Possible forbearance of qualified student loans. Note that interest continues to accrue. However accrued interest on qualifiedloans is eligible for payment by the National Service Trust.
  • Health plan benefits. Members are eligible to enroll in an Affordable Care Act compliant health plan.
  • Childcare benefits if you qualify. Learn more about our childcare benefits.

Plus, you will be following in the footsteps of our own Tim Reichel, Disaster Program Manager for the Stark County and Muskingum Lakes Chapter.

 

If you are interested in applying, please visit: http://www.myamericorps.gov

Disaster Workers Kept Busy at Home and in West Virginia

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Volunteers Respond to Home Fires, Flood Recovery During Independence Day Weekend

Nearly 70 Northeast Ohio residents were chased from their homes by fire during the 4th of July holiday weekend, as Red Cross volunteers responded to meet their immediate needs. Financial assistance totaling more than $13,600 was offered to 45 adults and 22 children, to be used for lodging, food, clothing, and other immediate needs.

“The Red Cross volunteers who responded to these families are Holiday Heroes,” said Jeremy Bayer, Disaster Program Manager for the Greater Cleveland chapter.  “They provided the initial guiding hand for these families during their darkest hour.”

In West Virginia, about 700 Red Cross volunteers, including several from Northeast Ohio worked through the weekend to help the thousands of residents affected by recent flooding.  There have been nearly 2,000 overnight stays in shelters operated or supported by Red Cross volunteers.  More than 13,000 meals and snacks have been served, 7,500 clean-up kits have been distributed, and tens of thousands of bulk items given to residents, many of whom have lost everything in the flooding.

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Mother Tianna Butler and her daughter Skyler. Randall and his wife Tianna Butler recently moved into an upstairs apartment with their two-year-old daughter named Skyler. Tianna is 8 months pregnant. “Last Thursday the rains started. It came up really fast. When we saw the hillside crumble from the water we called 911, who told us it was safer to stay in the top part of the house rather than risk moving outdoors with all the flooding going on”, says Randall. “I was getting contractions from all the stress,” says Tianna. She and Skyler were rescued on Saturday at 12:30 a.m. and brought to the Red Cross shelter at Capital High School in Charleston. Randall joined them later. “We really appreciate what the Red Cross has done,” says Randall. “I never had any encounter with the Red Cross nor do I know anyone who has dealt with them, but everything they did has been top-notch; they are really professional.” But the Butlers remain concerned about the future. The money that they put into moving and fixing up their new apartment is now gone with the floodwaters. Having so recently moved, they hadn’t yet purchased any home insurance. “I hope we get some assistance or we will be on the sidewalk somewhere,” says Randall. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Randal Butler with his daughter Skyler. Randall and his wife Tianna Butler recently moved into an upstairs apartment with their two-year-old daughter named Skyler. Tianna is 8 months pregnant. “Last Thursday the rains started. It came up really fast. When we saw the hillside crumble from the water we called 911, who told us it was safer to stay in the top part of the house rather than risk moving outdoors with all the flooding going on”, says Randall. “I was getting contractions from all the stress,” says Tianna. She and Skyler were rescued on Saturday at 12:30 a.m. and brought to the Red Cross shelter at Capital High School in Charleston. Randall joined them later. “We really appreciate what the Red Cross has done,” says Randall. “I never had any encounter with the Red Cross nor do I know anyone who has dealt with them, but everything they did has been top-notch; they are really professional.” But the Butlers remain concerned about the future. The money that they put into moving and fixing up their new apartment is now gone with the floodwaters. Having so recently moved, they hadn’t yet purchased any home insurance. “I hope we get some assistance or we will be on the sidewalk somewhere,” says Randall. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Lucille Chandler speaks with American Red Cross staff Joanna King. 90-year-old Lucille Chandler’s home in Clendenin was flooded on Thursday. She and her daughter were rescued by a neighbor who had a boat. He transported them to a nearby church that was partially flooded, but where the top floor was still dry and used by local residents seeking shelter. Yesterday she was brought to the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into an Red Cross shelter. “I really appreciate what the Red Cross has done for me,” explains Lucille, ”I have a problem walking and the Red Cross volunteers bring me around in a wheelchair”. The next step for Lucille’s Red Cross assistance will be handled by caseworkers. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. 90-year-old Lucille Chandler’s home in Clendenin was flooded on Thursday. She and her daughter were rescued by a neighbor who had a boat. He transported them to a nearby church that was partially flooded, but where the top floor was still dry and used by local residents seeking shelter. Yesterday she was brought to the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. “I really appreciate what the Red Cross has done for me,” explains Lucille,” I have a problem walking and the Red Cross volunteers bring me around in a wheelchair”. The next step for Lucille’s Red Cross assistance will be handled by caseworkers. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Heather Shafer and her one-year-old daughter Sarah lives with her parents in East Clendenin. Their home was flooded and they now staying at the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Heather Shafer and her one-year-old daughter Sarah lives with her parents in East Clendenin. Their home was flooded and they now staying at the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 26, 2016. Clendenin, West Virginia. Floods. Kari Thompson, a member of the “Fire Breather Fitness” a CrossFit group from Charleston, join other members of the fitness group who are volunteering to help clean the flooded home in Clendenin of an aunt of one of their members. The home was flooded when the nearby Elk River broke its banks on Thursday following heavy rains. In the background are the children (Evelyn, Tura and Ethan – left to right) of an another member of the fitness group who are helping out as well. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 26, 2016. Clendenin, West Virginia. Floods. American Red Cross employee Joanna King speaking with and assessing flood damage at home of Joan Parker. Parker’s home in Clendenin was flooded when the nearby Elk River broke its banks on Thursday following heavy rains. She and her 97-year-old mother who live in the house were rescued by the fire department who paddled up to the front door. Her sister Tammy Parker (yellow shirt) and a friend of the family, are helping them with the cleanup. Looking at the pile of mud-soaked belongings piled in front of her home, Joan reflects, “it’s just stuff; what’s important is that we didn’t lose anybody we know”. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 29, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams with 18-month-old Liam Parker who, along with his mother and father, is a flood victim from Clendenin, West Virginia. He and his family are staying at Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston, which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 29, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams with one-year-old Sarah Shafer who, along with his mother and grandparents, is a flood victim from Clendenin, West Virginia. She and her family are staying at Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston, which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 29, 2016. Clay, West Virginia. Red Cross volunteer Marie Loyons serves food to Loretta King and her eight-year-old daughter Byany King with Red Cross employee Mary Williams in the background. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle is at Clay High School at a community relief distribution point to assist flood victims from Clay, West Virginia. The vehicle contains 300 hot meals of chicken dumplings and mixed vegetables, along with pudding or a cookie for desert. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 29, 2016. Clay, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams helps flood victims Loretta King and her eight-year-old daughter Byany King carry their food to their vehicle. They were served a hot meals by an Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle at Clay High School at a community relief distribution point to assist flood victims from Clay, West Virginia. The vehicle contains 300 hot meals of chicken dumplings and mixed vegetables, along with pudding or a cookie for desert. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. Red Cross workers, Bernard Stuart and Kevin Beale, hand hot meals out to Cassandra Martin and Felicity Jarvis in Birch River, West Virginia. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross
June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Bernard Stuart hands Ashley Harlow a container of pulled pork in Birch River, West Virginia. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross
June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Kevin Beale delivers containers of pulled pork to a Birch River, West Virginia, resident. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross
June 30, 2016. Richwood, West Virginia. Robin Cowell and American Red Cross worker, Mary Williams, survey the damage to her Richwood, West Virginia, home. “When I lay in bed at night I think that all these people care. They came. All these volunteers came,” said Cowell. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

The road to recovery for West Virginians affected by the flooding will be long.  Many face daunting challenges.  The Red Cross will be with them to help those staying in shelters transition to longer term housing.  And we need your help.

Log onto redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation to disaster relief. Or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.  Your donation will help people recover from disasters big and small: big, like the West Virginia flooding, and small, like the individual home fires that affected so many families in Northeast Ohio this weekend.

Weathering Independence Day 2016 in West Virginia

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CEO Mike Parks Credits Residents for Resiliency

More rain is in the forecast for West Virginia on the 4th of July, as residents there recover from historic flooding that hit the state in late June. The National Weather Service has posted a flash flood watch  through late Monday night for parts of West Virginia and eastern Ohio.

Mike Parks, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region, is one of hundreds of Red Cross workers and volunteers who deployed to West Virginia, in response to the needs of the residents affected by the flooding.

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Mike Parks, CEO, American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region

“The response of the residents of this great state to the devastation caused by the flooding is heartwarming,” Mike said.  “So many of them have so little, but so many of them give so much to so many.  Their generosity to each other, despite their own hardships is not only heartwarming, but also inspiring.”

Red Cross workers have been providing shelter, food, water, cleaning supplies and comfort kits to residents affected by the disaster, and will continue to help them as they plan to move forward with their lives.

Photo Credit: Mary Williams, American Red Cross

“The residents affected by the flooding have hope, hope that they can recover, and that gives them true independence, as we celebrate our nation’s freedom,” Mike added.

You can help the people of West Virginia, by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your donation will help people who suffer from disasters big and small.  Go to redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to donate.  Or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Red Cross Cup Raises Funds For Disaster Relief

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Money to Help People Who Suffer from Disasters Big and Small

Cancelling a golf tournament seems trivial, when considering the reason.

Flooding.  Homes destroyed.  Lives lost.

That’s why the Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia has been cancelled.

“We are heartbroken by the devastation that the residents of West Virginia are experiencing at this time and the reports of lives lost due to the terrible flooding,” said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem in a statement. “Canceling The Greenbrier Classic is certainly the most prudent course of action as our foremost concern is the well-being of those who are having to live through this tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

The American Red Cross responded to the flood zone immediately. Several volunteers from Northeast Ohio are among the hundreds of Red Cross workers assisting residents who lost their homes. The Red Cross is operating or supporting shelters, providing food and water, replacing prescription medications and eyeglasses, and offering mental health support, to help people cope during their darkest hours.

We are fortunate that no disaster of that magnitude has affected Northeast Ohio, and that we were able to host the Red Cross Cup last month.

One hundred and twelve golfers gathered to play on Monday, June 13th at the world renowned Canterbury Golf Club. The outing was a benefit for the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region.

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Canterbury Golf Club is one of only three U.S. course to have hosted the five rotating Men’s Major Golf Championships, and has been the home for the Red Cross Cup for six years now. The 2016 Red Cross Cup was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor, Home Savings.

“Home Savings’ investment in the Red Cross as the presenting sponsor of this event will have a significant impact on the lives of others in Northeast Ohio,” according to John McCann, member of the Board of Directors for the Red Cross Greater Cleveland Chapter.

Additional sponsors of the 2016 Red Cross Cup included the Breakfast Sponsor, the Cleveland Zoological Society and the Caddy Sponsor, Donley’s.

Mike Parks, CEO of the Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region reflected on the impact the Red Cross and its volunteers had this season, saying “This has been a very busy spring season for the American Red Cross, with unrelenting flooding in Texas. Nearly 9,000 Red Cross workers—about 90 percent of them volunteers—including some from Northeast Ohio sprang into action to offer shelter, food and comfort in hard-hit communities.”

He continued, bringing the message back to Northeast Ohio and the impact the Red Cross has here, on a wide range of disasters, such as the three house fires that occur, on average, every day in Northeast Ohio.

“During their darkest hour, the victims of these fires become our clients, and are offered immediate financial assistance, mental health services when needed, and a way forward on their road to recovery.”

At the event proceeded, a silent auction included items such as a Chef’s’ Table for 12 at Crop Bistro in Ohio City and a Cavaliers benchwarmer package, which includes access to the Cavs bench during pregame warmups, Court Club access, and an autographed Kevin Love jersey.

The 2016 Red Cross Cup raised more than $100,000, which will be used to further aid and support the American Red Cross Mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

The winners of the event were as follows:

1st Place Winners:

Competitive – Bruce Leff, Leff Electric Co.

Scramble –  Dominion

2nd Place Winners:

Competitive – Justin Roth, Zenith Systems

Scramble – Fox Sports Ohio

3rd Place Winners:

Competitive – Jim Tweardy, Leff Electric Co.

Scramble – Sherwin-Williams

Meantime, in West Virginia, entire families have lost their homes and everything they own. The Red Cross needs your help to continue its work in West Virginia and everywhere disaster strikes. Your support will help people affected by disasters big and small. You can donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief by contacting Scott Thompson, Regional Development Officer at 216-431-3064, or email scott.thompson@redcross.org. You can also text WVFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

American Red Cross volunteer Anmol Nigam contributed to this article

More Local Red Cross Workers Respond to West Virginia Flooding

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Resources Include Personnel, Equipment

Nearly 500 American Red Cross volunteers have responded to the call for help in West Virginia, where heavy rain last week caused widespread flooding.  Seven volunteers are from Northeast Ohio.  In addition, Regional CEO Mike Parks is there to offer his assistance.

“It’s extremely rewarding to see American Red Cross volunteers and staff from across the country descend on the devastated communities of West Virginia,” said Parks. “It makes me proud to be part of this humanitarian organization.”

23 fatalities are being attributed to the flooding.  Preliminary reports indicate upwards of 2,000 homes could have been damaged or destroyed.  Thousands of people are still without power and gas service. Many areas are still inaccessible due to flood damage, and the number of affected homes is likely to change.

Red Cross workers, including those from Northeast Ohio, continue to support shelter operations. Workers are also providing meals, relief supplies and other assistance to those affected.

By the numbers:

-More than 1,900 overnight stays in emergency shelters

-More than 40,000 meals and snacks distributed

-Over 61,000 relief items like cleaning supplies and comfort kits distributed

June 27, 2016. West Virginia. Floods. What remains of three homes that burned to the ground when they were flooded in White Sulfur Springs. In one of the homes a resident died. Photos by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
June 27, 2016. West Virginia. Floods. A house in White Sulfur Springs damaged by flooding when Howard Creek broke its banks on June 23, 2016, following severe rains. Photos by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

Red Cross disaster mental health workers are helping people cope with the loss of their homes. Health workers are helping to replace needed items like prescription medications and eyeglasses. The Red Cross is working with state and local officials and with partners like the Southern Baptist Convention and AmeriCorps to help ensure people get the help they need.

In addition to the Red Cross personnel deployed, the Northeast Ohio Region is also contributing 3 emergency response vehicles and 2 passenger vans to the response and recovery effort in West Virginia.

This is a large relief response and the Red Cross needs the public’s support. Entire families have lost their homes and everything they own. We need your support now to help people affected by disasters big and small.

  • People can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief to support disasters big and small by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
  • Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

 Financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most.

FLOOD SAFETY

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information and shelter locations available on your mobile device.

  • The Emergency App features emergency weather alerts to help keep the user safe, and provides information about what to do in case of floods as well as the locations of open shelters.
  • Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

 

 

 

Response to Disasters Continues

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Please Support Red Cross Disaster Relief

Hundreds of American Red Cross volunteers continue helping the thousands of people affected by devastating and historic flooding in West Virginia and fast-moving wildfires in California, which collectively have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands of residents to seek shelter elsewhere.

Several volunteers who responded to help the people of West Virginia are from Northeast Ohio.  They are supporting shelters, serving meals, distributing relief supplies and providing health services and emotional and mental health support. Red Cross caseworkers will also be meeting with individuals one-on-one, to help them plan their next steps to move out of shelters, and to provide support and guidance. Every day, we continue to monitor the affected areas in these two states, and will deploy more help to the affected areas, as needed – to include volunteers and emergency vehicles. The Red Cross is also coordinating very closely with partners like the Southern Baptist Convention and AmeriCorps to lend a hand, and help to manage and coordinate the many resources needed to support disasters of this scope and scale.

“The lives of thousands of people have been turned upside down by deadly floods and wildfires, and Red Cross volunteers are there to provide comfort and support, while making sure they have a safe place to stay and food to eat,” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Services Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “Our relief efforts are just beginning, and we will be there in the coming days and weeks supporting people affected by these tragic disasters as they begin to recover and rebuild.”

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HOW TO HELP
These are large and complex relief responses and the Red Cross needs the public’s support now. If you would like to help the Red Cross support people affected by disasters like flooding, wildfires and countless other crises can make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by contacting Northeast Ohio Chief Development Officer Scott Thompson at 216-431-3064, or email scott.thompson@redcross.org. Or visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP
You can download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of flooding, wildfires and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

BASH is a Smash at MAPS

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They dressed with military gear, in medical garb and in Hawaiian shirts.  That’s how they roll at BASH every year, and the 2016 version, held on June 4 was no exception.

Bash 2016 at MAPS
Regional Executive Mike Parks and wife Cynthia
Bash 2016 Commemorative Shirts

BASH is a major annual fundraiser for the American Red Cross Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter.  All proceeds benefit Northeast Ohio residents who suffer from disasters, such as home fires.  The Red Cross provides immediate financial assistance, health services and mental health counselling when needed, to help people get through their darkest hours.

BASH 2016 generated more than $100,000 for disaster relief, according to Kim Kroh, Executive Director of the Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter.  “The community really pulled together. Look at the hundreds of auction items that were donated to make BASH a success this year,” she said. “And we’re really fortunate to have this amazing facility as our venue.”

MAPS Air Museum
Historical helicopter and current Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle
Outside MAPS at Bash 2016
Bash 2016 at MAPS
Bash 2016 at MAPS
Bash 2016 at MAPS
Stark and Muskingum Lakes Board
Board Chair Beth Kaser and Chapter Executive Kim Kroh
Tables are set for Bash at MAPS
Auction items

The MAPS Air Museum in North Canton features a broad collection of vintage aircraft, to help fulfill its mission to educate people on the history of aviation. About 300 people enjoyed the unique setting.

Dedicated volunteers Dick and Earlene Kincaid were honored at this year’s event, for having installed 1,525 smoke alarms in the homes of residents in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties.  “We just want to help people be safe,” said Dick.  Mike Parks, Regional Executive for the Northeast Ohio Region, praised the Kincaids as “the ideal volunteers.”

kincaids honored

Dick and Earlene Kincaid, Kim Kroh and Mike Parks\Photos provided by Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Volunteer

Did you miss this year’s BASH?  Check in with us at redcross.org/neo, and click on “News and Events” to find out when BASH will be held in 2017.

 

 

 

Texas Needs Our Help After Relentless Rain Causes More Flooding

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More rain predicted for the area. Volunteers prepared with more supplies and shelters.

Texas Floods 2016

March 22, 2016. Orange, Texas. 75 year old Maybel Bordelon from Orange Texas comes to the Red Cross resource center to get much needed cleaning supplies. “Everyone here is so friendly and kind. Everyone is town is talking about the help that Red Cross is providing. We are so thankful you are here.” Photo by Danuta Otfinowski/American Red Cross

Volunteers from the American Red Cross are responding to the devastating flooding occurring in Texas after some parts of the state received 19 inches of rain over the holiday weekend. Among them are volunteers deployed from the Northeast Ohio Region.  They are assisting with communications and mental health services.

Since the beginning of the year, numerous storms have ravaged the state, displacing thousands of families and devastating homes and businesses.

Over the weekend, Brenham, Texas, located about 65 miles northwest of Houston, received 18 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Houston, which has been hammered with severe weather and flooding for several months, was again in the storm’s path and people were forced to leave their homes. The threat isn’t over – weather experts predict flooding will continue for several more days. Emergency officials estimate that some 6,000 homes may be affected.

Red Cross volunteers have mobilized once again. Fifteen shelters were opened in the affected areas and volunteers are helping to assess the damage. The Red Cross is also providing meals in coordination with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and other local partners. Red Cross volunteers will also be delivering relief supplies as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Red Cross is monitoring the ongoing threat for more flooding and is setting up in areas that are likely to be hit by the next onslaught of bad weather later this week.

“This part of the country has been hit with multiple disasters for months now, and the Red Cross has been helping from day one,” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Services Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “We have nearly 300 Red Cross workers on the ground or on their way to help people in Texas. Our volunteers will remain in these communities in the weeks ahead to make sure people get the help they need.”

HOW TO HELP You can help people affected by the Texas Floods and Tornadoes by contacting Scott Thompson at scott.thompson@redcross.org, or calling 216-431-3064 or 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting the word TXFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations to Texas Floods and Tornadoes will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP With the threat of more severe weather, people should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.