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Hurricane Season UPDATE October 26, 2005
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Red Cross
 
October 26, 2005
The category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 125 mph, downed power lines, ripped off roofs, shattered windows in homes and skyscrapers, and caused flooding throughout the state.  American Red Cross volunteers will be with Floridians every step of the way as they begin the all-too-familiar process of cleaning up and reassembling their lives.

The Red Cross is very concerned about the emotional well-being of Hurricane Wilma victims because this is the third hurricane this season for many of them—first Katrina, then Rita and now Wilma, the eighth hurricane to thrash Florida in the last 15 months. In addition to providing basic needs such as food and shelter, the Red Cross also provides emotional support to victims of disaster.

At the height of this powerful storm, the Red Cross provided safe haven for more than 35,000 people in 105 shelters.  That number has ped, but the Red Cross is still supporting the recovery effort with active shelters, Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs), volunteers, and additional resource to assist residents as they begin to assess damage and recovery needs.  Many residents who have been able to return home are finding their homes so severely damaged that they have to go back to a Red Cross shelter.

Approximately 6 million residents have been affected by the widespread power outage.  Power has been restored for about 299,000, or nine percent of the total affected.  It will take weeks to restore power to all areas throughout southern Florida and the Keys.  It is reported that there are shortages of water, ice and gasoline, which is resulting in long waits for these precious resources.  The Red Cross has distributed truckloads of supplies, ready to eat meals and snacks to communities across the state. Once it is safe to return home, the Red Cross will set up feeding centers for residents who may not be able to prepare meals at home.

The American Red Cross continues on a staggering pace of relief efforts.  Responses to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Dennis, Emily, and Wilma, International support to Hurricanes Stan and Wilma, and the Southeast Asia earthquake have stretched Red Cross resources, but the organization stands ready to respond, and make good on its promise to be there when disasters strike at home and abroad.

The Red Cross has spent or committed $1.7 billion on the relief effort for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, yet has barely raised $1.3 billion. The overall relief effort for Katrina and Rita is expected to exceed $2 billion and the help of the American people is needed to fill the gap.

HOW OREGONIANS CAN HELP

 

BE PREPARED

The American Red Cross urges you to stay alert and prepare your home and family for emergencies large and small. Earthquake, winter storms, fires and other unexpected events come quickly with little warning. Build an emergency kit for home, work, and auto. For a checklist and instructions, visit www.redcross-pdx.org and click on Together We Prepare Oregon . To purchase prepackaged emergency supplies kits for a variety of uses, visit our online store. Proceeds support your local Oregon Trail Chapter.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The best way Oregonians can offer assistance is through financial support. Funding for the hurricane disaster relief operation in Portland will come from the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund. At this time, there is not a specific fund designated for displaced residents from the Gulf States .

VOLUNTEER

Fast Track trainings in Emergency Services are now over and we will not be scheduling further trainings until after October 1st. Please be patient; the Red Cross will need new volunteers for the next several months and we will work with our media partners to let the community know when and how to volunteer in the near future.

IN-KIND DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERED SERVICES

The American Red Cross accepts cash donations which funds shelter operations and provides temporary housing, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need.

To make in-kind donations, Oregonians may dial 211 in the Portland area (or call 800 SAFENET elsewhere in the state) to receive d information regarding donation needs.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER

Donations to the Red Cross through the National Disaster Relief Fund help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need, such as the families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Supporting the National Disaster Relief Fund is similar to putting money in a savings account. It's critical to have the resources ready before disaster strikes so relief can be provided immediately, throughout the United States . Right now, people from all over the U.S. are helping residents in the Gulf States through donating and volunteering. The evacuees that have made their way to Portland are receiving financial assistance through that fund as well.

Supporting local Red Cross services is like putting money in a checking account. Donations made to your local Chapter helps us provide relief to victims of local disasters and help Oregonians prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Your Oregon Trail Chapter taps into our Local Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance to your neighbors who've lost their homes from fire—which occurs every 32 hours on average.

If you would like to make a charitable contribution to the Oregon Trail Chapter, please mail a donation or make a direct online donation , and indicate “Local Disaster Relief Fund”.

You can also support your local Chapter by:

  1. Signing up for First aid and CPR classes
  2. Purchasing emergency supplies at our online store
  3. Attending our events such as the 2nd Annual Oregon Trail Chapter Auction