Update on Red Cross Ops

American Red Cross launches largest mobilization ever

09:53 PM CDT on Monday, August 29, 2005

From 11 News Staff Reports

In the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural disaster ever by the American Red Cross, a coordination center will be set up at American Red Cross national headquarters to coordinate the delivery of mass care services with governmental and non-governmental partners.

Mass Care

In Louisiana, the American Red Cross currently has 74 shelters/evacuation centers open, housing 18,628 people. In total, the Red Cross has 202 shelters housing 29,873 people. Locations for 25 kitchens have been identified and are on stand-by and will be activated when the storm safely passes. A total of 885 Red Cross have been assigned and are responding to Hurricane Katrina. The American Red Cross is recruiting 1,900 Disaster Services Human Resources volunteers in the next three days to assist in the relief operations.

There are currently 166 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) deployed to support the disaster relief efforts. Each ERV is capable of distributing 5,000 meals per day or can be used for giving out clean-up, comfort and salvage supplies. There are currently 2,500 clean-up kits and 5,000 comfort kits awaiting delivery. Contents of a comfort kit include shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste and lotion. A cleanup kit includes: broom; mop; squeegee head; pail; scrub brush; sponge; disinfectant; detergent/degreaser; bleach; gloves; and trash bags.

Disaster Welfare Inquiries

People outside the disaster area trying to locate a family member in an area affected, should contact their local Red Cross chapter for help. Chapters may be located at www.redcross.org.

Emergency Financial Assistance

The Red Cross will provide direct financial assistance to disaster victims in the form of Client Assistance Cards for basic needs such as food, clothes and temporary housing. This will be done through call centers set up by the American Red Cross. Please call 1-866-GET-INFO for more information.

Mental Health Services

The Red Cross provides mental heath services to disaster victims by providing immediate crisis counseling by licensed mental health professionals. In the event a victim needs longer-term care, the Red Cross will refer them to other community-based professionals.

Further Information

In addition, updated information may also be obtained on the following Red Cross websites: www.redcross.org or www.disasterrelief.org. The information hotline has been activated and may be reached at 1-866-GET INFO.

Donation Information

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The public can help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and thousands of other disasters across the country by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). State of Texas Hurricane Relief Fund - To donate call 713-284-8877

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the 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.com