Thursday, September 26, 2013

RED CROSS RESPONDS TO FIRE IN BELMONT

Wellsville, NY – Members of the Southwestern NY American Red Cross Disaster Team responded to provide disaster relief following a home fire in Belmont on Wednesday.

Disaster Team volunteers Bob Shook, James Braley, Pat Jung and Darci Ladabouche responded to the scene to provide initial disaster assistance for seven people.  Temporary housing, clothing, and meals are services typically offered to address emergency needs. The local Red Cross chapter will continue working with the families and their recovery process if additional services or referrals are necessary.


All disaster assistance offered by the American Red Cross is complimentary and made possible by generous contributions from the American people and residents of Allegany County. The United Way of Allegany County also provides financial support to the local Red Cross mission.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Western New York Volunteer Deploying to Colorado to Assist in Red Cross Response

Reservist Beth Shook leaving Tuesday to work in Staff Services

The American Red Cross is supporting rescue operations in Colorado by providing food, shelter, relief supplies and comfort to thousands of people forced from their homes by devastating flash flooding.

Beth Shook of Cuba, NY is deploying Tuesday to assist
in the flooding response efforts of the Red Cross
Red Cross volunteer Beth Shook, a reservist from Cuba, NY will be deploying Tuesday to Colorado, where she will serve as a volunteer manager in Staff Services.

Red Cross disaster workers are at the Boulder airport reception center to provide care and comfort as stranded residents arrive after being airlifted out of flooded neighborhoods and towns. Sunday night, as many as 1,000 people stayed in 24 shelters across the state.

“The Red Cross is making sure that people in Colorado get the help they need,” said Richard Reed, senior vice president of Disaster Cycle Services for the Red Cross. “We’re expanding our relief efforts as more workers, equipment and supplies arrive – and we’ll be on the ground for weeks to come helping people recover.”

The Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management officials, the Colorado National Guard and community organizations to ensure people get the help they need. More than 250 trained Red Cross disaster workers are deployed to Colorado, along with more than 20 emergency response vehicles and six trucks of relief supplies. Working with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Red Cross has served more than 7,100 meals and snacks.

Government officials estimate as many as 18,000 homes are affected by the Colorado flooding. Access to some communities remains difficult due to flood waters and damaged roads. As these areas begin to re-open, the Red Cross will be there to assess the damage, distribute relief supplies and support a recovery effort that will take weeks and months.

Flooding has also caused numerous evacuations in New Mexico and Texas and Red Cross workers are helping people in those states, providing shelter, meals and comfort for those affected. More than 50 people spent Sunday night in four shelters in New Mexico and Texas. The region continues to be a relief priority for the Red Cross as more rain is expected in the area from tropical storm systems over the next few days.

HOW TO HELP People across the flooded areas need help now. The Red Cross has launched a massive relief effort to help people in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas and needs the continued support of the public to help those affected. People can make a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

SAFETY TIPS If someone’s neighborhood is affected by flooding, or they are able to return home and begin cleaning up, the Red Cross has steps they can follow to stay safe. Most important is that people should avoid floodwaters whether walking or driving. Turn around and go another way. People should also keep curious children out of the water. More safety information is available at the link above.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

September Blood Drives in the Southwestern New York Area

An urgent need for some blood types remains.  If you are O-, A- or B- please consider donating blood at an American Red Cross Blood Drive this month.

Below is a list of drives in the Southwestern New York area in September.  Please remember that our Fralick Donation Center, located at 325 East 4th St. in Jamestown is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-5:30pm as well.  However, the site will be closed on September 12th.

You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.  Walk-ins are always welcomed at blood drives!