Volunteers Deploy to Hurricane Sandy

 Red Cross preparing to respond across east coast if needed

Janice Davis

Two volunteers from the Western New York region deployed ahead of Hurricane Sandy to assist in response efforts throughout New York.  Beth Shook of Cuba, NY, left Saturday for White Plains, NY to provide Shelter Management, and Janice Davis from Friendship, NY also was deployed to White Plains, NY for Health Services.  In addition,  the Emergency Response Vehicle  from the Southwestern NY Chapter  is on alert to be sent to affected regions as needed, and it is expected that several additional volunteers from the Western New York region will be deployed to assist in the response to Hurricane Sandy in the coming days.

Beth Shook

The American Red Cross encourages people in the possible path of Hurricane Sandy to keep informed about the storm’s progress and prepare now in case their community is affected. The American Red Cross Hurricane App puts lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane prone areas. This free app—available in English or Spanish—is for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. It gives users instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes. The app also includes a number of features that allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and share information with others in their social networks who might also need it.

Other features of the app include:

·         One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;

·         Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;

·         Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside

·         Locations of open Red Cross shelters;

·         Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;

·         Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;

·         Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and

·         Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

The Hurricane can be found in the iTunes or Google Play app stores by searching for American Red Cross. The Red Cross First Aid App helps people learn what to do in an emergency in case help is delayed. Download all of the preparedness apps at redcross.org/mobile-apps. People can go to redross.org for additional information and resources. 

The American Red Cross spends an average of more than $360 million each year preparing for and responding to disasters across the country and around the world. Those wishing to help people affected by disasters such as Hurricane Sandy are asked to make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.