Wiregrass residents roll up their sleeves for disaster relief

By Jeffery L. Biggs

American Red Cross

Residents from throughout the Wiregrass region of Alabama have provided 286 units of blood to the tornado relief efforts in Enterprise, Ala., following a devastating tornado that roared through this south Alabama town on March 1, 2007.

 

“The response has been overwhelming,” said W.B. Stewart, account manager for Gulf Coast Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “We’ve had 286 productive units presented, and many more that wanted to donate blood, but were unable to.”

The blood drive lasted four days and was held in the Wal-Mart SuperCenter parking lot in
Enterprise. It was the debut of the region’s brand new self-contained collection trailer.

“The self-contained unit got initiated in a big way,” Stewart said.

 

The blood drive officially concluded on Monday, March 5; but potential donors don’t need to worry.

“We are re-opening the Dothan, Ala. Donor Center with its regular hours, (Thursday’s 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.); and we are adding a Friday operating time from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Stewart added.Potential donors are reminded that all blood types are needed.

Red Cross providing service to Alabama Counties affected by March 1, 2007 tornadoes

Local, national Red Cross workers provide immediate services to citizens

ENTERPRISE, Ala., March 9, 2007 – A week may have passed since deadly tornadoes swept through central and south Alabama killing 10 and injuring hundreds, but the American Red Cross continues its efforts to provide immediate relief to the citizens of Coffee, Dale, Henry, Montgomery, and Wilcox counties. 

“We are continuously working with local chapters and with our national volunteers to provide for the immediate needs of the citizens in all affected counties in Alabama,” said Ron Speakes, disaster operations director for the American Red Cross’ national relief operation. “The American Red Cross has been on scene and working with affected residents since Thursday and will continue to work with residents in the affected areas until needs have been met.” Since the relief operation began on March 1, volunteers from the Red Cross of Central Alabama in Montgomery, the Black Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross, Wiregrass Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Coffee County Chapter of the American Red Cross; have been providing much needed food, water, counseling, and financial assistance to clients. 

“As soon as the tornadoes struck the local chapters of the American Red Cross initiated their disaster operations plans,” Speakes added. “In fact, chapters across Alabama and the southeast were very closely monitoring the weather, ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice.” Since the disaster operations began, more than 5,000 meals, nearly 12,000 snacks, and more than 6,000 bottles of water have been distributed across the affected disaster areas by American Red Cross workers and volunteers. 

Affected citizens have also been receiving Red Cross financial assistance. “Part of the Red Cross mission to provide immediate assistance to citizens affected by these storms is to provide financial assistance for citizens’ immediate food, shelter, and clothing needs,” Speakes said. “Since relief operations began, more than 142 clients have sought assistance from the Red Cross to help with their immediate needs.” 

Funding for the financial assistance provided to clients comes from the generosity of the American people, and is an outright gift. “To cover the costs of providing assistance for the clients affected by these tornadoes, the American Red Cross has implemented a fund-raising plan to ensure that funds received by the Red Cross for disaster relief operations in Alabama will return to the citizens in Alabama affected by the storms,” Speakes added. Individuals wishing to make a contribution to the relief efforts in Alabama are encouraged to contact their local chapter of the American Red Cross, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767), or make an on-line donation via the secure web site http://www.redcross.org.

Red Cross continues fund-raising efforts

Tornado Relief Operation Seeks Funds to Assist Citizens

ENTERPRISE, Ala., March 9, 2007 – Citizens, businesses, and organization seeking a way to immediately help individuals affected by the tragic March 1, 2007 tornadoes that swept through Coffee, Dale, Henry, Montgomery, and Wilcox counties in Alabama are encouraged to make a contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  “All Red Cross assistance is an outright gift of the American people,” said Ron Speakes, disaster operations manager for the Red Cross. “All donations are voluntary, and the Red Cross does not charge for any assistance it provides to clients.” In order to provide the much needed assistance, however, funds must be raised to help supplement the relief operations. 

“If someone is looking for a way they can help the residents affected by the tornadoes, a tax-eligible donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund is always a good option,” Speakes said. “Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund are used to provide immediate assistance to clients needing food, shelter, clothing, and other immediate necessities.” In addition to individuals wishing to make a contribution to disaster relief efforts, businesses may also make donations to the fund either on a national level, or through the local relief efforts.  “Businesses and organizations seeking to make a corporate or civic contribution to the relief operations can contact their local Red Cross chapter, or contact a representative with the national relief operation at (571) 226-8226,” Speakes added. “Many individuals, businesses, and organizations have already come forward to make contributions; and we and the citizens in the affected areas, are very thankful. However, more assistance is needed, because the American Red Cross will continue relief efforts long after the initial shock of this tragedy has worn off.” Speakes added that relief operations are underway in all parts of
Alabama, and that assistance is provided in every county affected by the storms. “The Red Cross is working in every county touched by these tornadoes,” he said. “We will continue our efforts to help these people as long as the need is there.” Contributions to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in
Alabama can be made by contacting a local chapter of the American Red Cross, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767), or by making an on-line donation via the secure web site http://www.redcross.org.

Finding Loved Ones

March 4, 2007
Christi Harlan
American Red Cross

ENTERPRISE, Ala. — With power outages and downed phone lines, people in Enterprise are still looking for loved ones three days after the March 1 tornado, but they are finding help with donated cell phones and the Web site of the American Red Cross.

A 78-year-old woman whose home was destroyed spent three nights in the Red Cross shelter at the First Baptist Church of Enterprise, thinking she had no family to assist her. With a cell phone donated by Unicel, the Coffee County Red Cross Chapter was able to reach the woman’s daughter — a daughter she hadn’t seen in 30 years, according to Elaine Roberts, Disaster Director of Operations for the Coffee County chapter.

“We’ve heard that some areas may go a month without telephone service, so these donated cell phones will be invaluable,” Roberts said.

Separately, the Red Cross can help reunite family members and loved ones through registration on Safe and Well, available at www.redcross.org. On the Web site, people who want to let their loved ones know that they are safe and well can choose from a list of standard messages to inform family members of their well-being.

People who are seeking loved ones can search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well.” The results of a successful search will display a loved one’s First Name, Last Name, an “As of Date”, and the “safe and well” messages selected.

All 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 these tornadoes and thousands of 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 victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS 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.  

Helping Children Cope With Disaster

Tips for Parents: Children Coping With Disaster

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2007 – Children are especially vulnerable during and after a disaster, mental health experts say. Even if they haven’t lost belongs or a loved one, children are susceptible to all the anxiety and uncertainty around them.

“It’s up to us grownups to help children get through these stressful situations,” said Joscelyn Silsby, who manages preparedness education for the American Red Cross.

Silsby is a mother herself, so this is important to her both personally and professionally.

In the aftermath of a disaster, adults may be too stressed to realize how their emotions are affecting the children in their lives. If you’re feeling stressed, Silsby encourages people to follow these Red Cross recommendations:

• Take a few deep breaths to relax.
• Count to 10 before speaking.
• Talk to an adult family member or friend.
• Take a short break. Ask a family member or trusted friend to look after the child while you “regroup.”
• Be consistent and positive in your rules for behavior.
• Use patience – never use harsh words.
• Show love and respect.
• Give extra comfort to your family.

Silsby noted children can be affected directly by the stress of a disaster, whether they are involved or they are exposed through conversations or media reports.

Experiences such as being evacuated, seeing others hurt or being hurt themselves, or seeing adults panic can be traumatic. Losing belongings or a loved one or pet – or even losing contact with friends or teachers – can set off a cascade of grief or unexpected behavior.

It’s important for parents and other caregivers to understand what is causing a child’s anxieties. Silsby said that following a disaster, children are most afraid that:

• The event will happen again.
• Someone close to them will be killed or injured.
• They will be left alone or separated from their family.

Adults can clarify misunderstandings of risk and danger by acknowledging children’s concerns. Talking about how the adults and the community are preparing for the future can strengthen a child’s sense of safety and security.

Listen to what a child is saying. If a child asks questions, answer with the amount of detail appropriate to the child’s age; children vary in the amount of information they need and can understand. If a child has trouble expressing his or her thoughts and feelings, encourage them to draw a picture or tell a story about what’s troubling them.

The Red Cross suggests parents and caregivers:

• Encourage the child to talk and listen to their concerns.
• Calmly provide factual information about what happened and plans for ensuring their safety.
• Be sure the child gets plenty of rest.
• Involve the child in updating a family disaster plan and in making a disaster supplies kit.
• Practice the disaster plan.
• Involve the child by giving them specific tasks to let them know they can help restore family and community life.
• Spend extra time with the child.
• Re-establish daily routines for work, school, play and meals.
• Limit exposure to news coverage of the disaster. Especially for young children, repeatedly watching images of an upsetting event can lead them to believe it is happening again and again.

Meanwhile, Silsby said, adults should be realistic about their own coping skills following a disaster. “If you find yourself overwhelmed, don’t try to ‘go it alone’,” he said. “The Red Cross has people specifically trained to help in these situations.”

For information about Red Cross assistance or disaster preparedness, call 1-800-HELP NOW or your local Red Cross chapter.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Southern Storms Overview

Red Cross Workers Serve Survivors of Thursday’s Southern Storms
Operations spread among 29 counties in two states

Editorial note: You can get up-to-the-minute updates on the relief operations in Alabama at www.redcrossal.wordpress.com – and in Georgia at www.redcrossga.wordpress.com – and feel free to push the information to the public on your schedule. For national media, the best contact is the Disaster Operations Center , available 24 hours a day at 202-303-5551.

BIRMINGHAM, Al., March 2, 2007 – The American Red Cross has opened up two disaster relief operations in response to Thursday’s severe weather outbreak in Alabama and Georgia. Twelve counties in Alabama were affected by the storms. Coffee County was the hardest hit with 90% of the damage. Preliminary reports show that 250 houses were either destroyed or suffered Major damage and 500 houses suffered minor damage. In Georgia the storms affected 19 counties with the Americus and Albany suffering the most damage. There are preliminary reports that 250 homes were either destroyed or suffered major damage and 450 homes received minor damages.

In Alabama, three shelters housed a total population of 65 overnight. The Blood Region in Birmingham shipped blood products to hospitals in the affected areas and is prepared to assist in other ways. The Coffee County Chapter is providing meals and snacks to the impacted area around Enterprise, with the help of six mobile feeding vans from across the Southeast. So far, the Red Cross has served approximately 1500 meals in the area. Emergency Communication Vehicles with satellite phone technology have also been sent to the Enterprise area to assist in the recovery and disaster assessment.

In Georgia, Red Cross Chapters in affected areas opened three chapters last night and more are expected to open today to accommodate residents as needed. Those shelters are expected to serve a population of between 50 and 60 people. The Central Georgia chapter will take its shelter trailer to Americus to assist in recovery efforts. Eleven feeding vans are deployed to the area with more potentially headed that way as needed. The Middle Flint Chapter in Americus fed more than 1,000 people just for lunch alone on Friday.

Additional volunteers will be dispatched soon, to begin the task of individual family casework as needed.

American Red Cross has yet to estimate how much Thursday’s storms will cost the organization. Every Red Cross dollar used is a donated dollar. Anyone who would like to give to the National Disaster Relief Fund should call 800-RED-CROSS or contact your local chapter.

All 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 these tornadoes and thousands of 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 victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS 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.

Post Disaster Tips

In the immediate aftermath of a major storm event, the dangers and frustrations do not end when the skies clear. The American Red Cross recommends the following steps and advice for those affected by the recent bout of tornados and high wind:

• Avoid using the telephone (cellular or landlines) if a large number of homes in your area have been affected by a disaster. Emergency responders need to have the telephone lines available to coordinate their response. During the immediate post- disaster time period, only use the telephone to report life-threatening conditions and call your out-of-town emergency contact. You may also use the “Safe and Well Registry” to communicate quickly with loved ones outside the affected counties.
• Remain calm. Pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge of other people. Listen carefully to what people are telling you, and deal patiently with urgent situations first.
• If you had to leave your home, return only when local authorities advise that it is safe to do so. Also, be sure to have photo identification available, because sometimes local authorities will only permit people who own property in a disaster-affected area back into the area.
• Except in extreme emergencies or unless told to do so by emergency officials, avoid driving during the immediate post-disaster period. Keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles. If you must drive, do not drive on roads covered with water. They could be damaged or eroded. Additionally, vehicles can begin to float in as little as six inches of water. Vehicles such as trucks and SUVs have larger tires and are more buoyant. However, even though these vehicles are heavier than a standard sedan, the buoyancy caused by the larger amount of air in their tires actually makes these vehicles more likely to float in water than smaller vehicles.
• If the disaster was widespread, listen to your radio or television station for instructions from local authorities. Information may change rapidly after a widespread disaster, so continue to listen regularly for updates. If the power is still out, listen to a battery- powered radio, television or car radio.