Yesterday, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic influenza alert level to 5 on its six-point scale, showing the increasing concern about the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak and indicating that a pandemic may be imminent.
The CDC has some very informative Questions & Answers on its Swine Flu (H1N1) page, también disponible en español. Taking the time to become educated and informed will not only help protect you and your loved ones, but can also allay the fear and panic that can be associated with this situation.
The American Red Cross, as part of its Be Red Cross Ready series, has a wonderful resource sheet about seasonal flu, también disponible en español, including Swine Flu (H1N1). Please feel free to print this sheet and share it with your family and friends. Post one in your office kitchen, your church meeting hall, or on the bulliten board of your favorite grocery store or sandwich shop.
Get educated; stay informed. Be Red Cross ready.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
American Red Cross Opens Emergency Aid Station for Fire Clients
The American Red Cross has opened an Emergency Aid Station in the parking lot of the Barefoot Resort Clubhouse located at 4980 Barefoot Resort Bridge Road in North Myrtle Beach. Red Cross volunteers are offering assistance to meet health and emotional care needs as well as snacks and information. Anyone affected by the wildfires should stop by the Station set up from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily until further notice.
Client caseworkers will be in the affected neighborhoods in both North Myrtle Beach and Conway from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. this week also. They will assist clients whose primary homes were damaged with their emergency, immediate needs. Any fire victims who have not made contact with the American Red Cross about their disaster-caused needs should call the Coastal South Carolina Chapter at 843-477-0020.
“We are taking care of people affected by disaster, and we are taking care of the emergency responders. It’s what we prepare for, and it’s what we do when the time comes. We are proud to serve our community in this role,” said Angela Nicholas, Coastal South Carolina Chapter Chief Executive Officer.
The American Red Cross has served more than 15,000 meals and snacks and delivered more than 300 clean-up and comfort kits since the wildfires in Horry County began Aug. 22.
The aid stations are not drop-off points for goods. If you have goods to donate, please call 2-1-1, the United Way community information line for social services.
About the American Red Cross: Help people affected by disasters like the recent wildfires, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the local American Red Cross chapter at 2795 Pampas Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
Client caseworkers will be in the affected neighborhoods in both North Myrtle Beach and Conway from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. this week also. They will assist clients whose primary homes were damaged with their emergency, immediate needs. Any fire victims who have not made contact with the American Red Cross about their disaster-caused needs should call the Coastal South Carolina Chapter at 843-477-0020.
“We are taking care of people affected by disaster, and we are taking care of the emergency responders. It’s what we prepare for, and it’s what we do when the time comes. We are proud to serve our community in this role,” said Angela Nicholas, Coastal South Carolina Chapter Chief Executive Officer.
The American Red Cross has served more than 15,000 meals and snacks and delivered more than 300 clean-up and comfort kits since the wildfires in Horry County began Aug. 22.
The aid stations are not drop-off points for goods. If you have goods to donate, please call 2-1-1, the United Way community information line for social services.
About the American Red Cross: Help people affected by disasters like the recent wildfires, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the local American Red Cross chapter at 2795 Pampas Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
Friday, April 24, 2009
More Upstate Volunteers Deployed in Horry County
Several additional Volunteers from the Upstate area are headed downstate to assist with the Disaster Response to the wildfires. Robert Neal and Joe Hawkins left in the Upstate's ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle), and Joe Land and Wayne Deitz left Spartanburg this morning driving the Piedmont Chapter's ERV. Mike and Jan brown also headed to Horry County to assist with the sheltering operation.
We realize that not everyone has the time or circumstances necessary to devote to being a Disaster Volunteer in the field. We have many other Volunteer opportunities -- we will find the right fit for you if you want to help. Not everyone can ride in the ERV to North Myrtle Beach, but the need for Volunteers who can make phone calls and stuff envelopes is just as great right now.
If you would like to Volunteer in any capacity, please call your local American Red Cross office OR toll free 1-800-839-8839.
Be the Hands That Give!
We realize that not everyone has the time or circumstances necessary to devote to being a Disaster Volunteer in the field. We have many other Volunteer opportunities -- we will find the right fit for you if you want to help. Not everyone can ride in the ERV to North Myrtle Beach, but the need for Volunteers who can make phone calls and stuff envelopes is just as great right now.
If you would like to Volunteer in any capacity, please call your local American Red Cross office OR toll free 1-800-839-8839.
Be the Hands That Give!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
North Myrtle Beach Reeling from Wildfires
Please be advised that we have a major disaster situation in North Myrtle Beach near Barefoot Landing. Check out these terrifying photos: Horry County Wildfires
The American Red Cross has two shelters open with over 200 people in them and we may be opening more as the situation dictates. Our Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) in Greenville and two volunteers are leaving at 5pm today to begin feeding routes in the morning in North Myrtle Beach. We are working to secure two additional volunteers for the Spartanburg Emergency Response Vehicle. Eight ERV’s have been requrested from across the state. Forty homes have been destroyed. Hundreds of people have been evacuated.
We are in immediate need of financial contributions to support our Disaster Relief Fund. You can send a check to P. O. Box 9035, Greenville, SC 29604; call 1-800-RED-CROSS; or go online to www.redcross.org.
Here are some examples of what these gifts help us provide:
$20 helps provide 2 meals to a disaster client
$50 covers the distribution and delivery of clean up kit and comfort supplies for a family of 4
$75 covers the cost to feed and shelter a client for a day in a shelter
$185 provides for the travel, meals and shelter for 1 day for 1 of our Red Cross volunteers
$300 covers the cost to feed and shelter a family of 4 for a day in a shelter
$1,500 covers feeding a sheltering a family of 4 for 5 days
$15,000 covers the cost to feed and shelter 200 clients for 1 day in a shelter
Together we can make a difference!
The American Red Cross has two shelters open with over 200 people in them and we may be opening more as the situation dictates. Our Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) in Greenville and two volunteers are leaving at 5pm today to begin feeding routes in the morning in North Myrtle Beach. We are working to secure two additional volunteers for the Spartanburg Emergency Response Vehicle. Eight ERV’s have been requrested from across the state. Forty homes have been destroyed. Hundreds of people have been evacuated.
We are in immediate need of financial contributions to support our Disaster Relief Fund. You can send a check to P. O. Box 9035, Greenville, SC 29604; call 1-800-RED-CROSS; or go online to www.redcross.org.
Here are some examples of what these gifts help us provide:
$20 helps provide 2 meals to a disaster client
$50 covers the distribution and delivery of clean up kit and comfort supplies for a family of 4
$75 covers the cost to feed and shelter a client for a day in a shelter
$185 provides for the travel, meals and shelter for 1 day for 1 of our Red Cross volunteers
$300 covers the cost to feed and shelter a family of 4 for a day in a shelter
$1,500 covers feeding a sheltering a family of 4 for 5 days
$15,000 covers the cost to feed and shelter 200 clients for 1 day in a shelter
Together we can make a difference!
Friday, April 17, 2009
How You Can Help With Local Storm Relief
Help South Carolina Respond and Prepare for Tornado Season - How You Can Help
Many of our friends and neighbors were impacted recently by severe weather and tornadoes in South Carolina. Trees and power lines were blocking roads and many houses were damaged or destroyed as a result of these storms. Almost before the winds calmed and the night was over, your Red Cross was on the scene helping those impacted by these storms.
Facts at a Glance: Tornado Relief Efforts
As of April 17, 2009
Affected counties Abbeville, Greenwood, Aiken, Allendale, Union, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee
Shelters opened 6
Overnight stays in shelters by individuals 18
Homes destroyed or with major damage (excludes businesses) 156
Meals and snacks provided to individuals 9,771
Vehicles providing mobile feeding* 4
Distribution of clean up kits & comfort kits 441
Volunteers 168
* mobile feeding discontinued mid-day 4/17/09
Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund is now more important than ever. Red Cross assistance for this effort may
exceed $200,000. Most of the families that we are serving could least afford to suffer this damage and destruction. They need our help to begin their recovery.
The Disaster Relief Fund provides families with food and a safe place to stay, life sustaining medication, infant supplies, and essential toiletries, in addition to health services and mental health counseling. Equally important, the Disaster Relief Fund allows us to maintain the vehicle fleet, warehouses, communications systems and volunteer training necessary to be able to respond 24 hours a day.
How You Can Help
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims of disasters. Call 864-271-8222 to make a donation. Contributions can be mailed to The American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina at PO Box 9035, Greenville, SC 29604. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.upstateredcross.org.
Companies can also help by implementing a customer donation program, sponsoring an employee giving and matching gift program, or even placing a Red Cross banner ad on your website. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross at CorpPartnerships@usa.redcross.org or 202-303-8380.
Many of our friends and neighbors were impacted recently by severe weather and tornadoes in South Carolina. Trees and power lines were blocking roads and many houses were damaged or destroyed as a result of these storms. Almost before the winds calmed and the night was over, your Red Cross was on the scene helping those impacted by these storms.
Facts at a Glance: Tornado Relief Efforts
As of April 17, 2009
Affected counties Abbeville, Greenwood, Aiken, Allendale, Union, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee
Shelters opened 6
Overnight stays in shelters by individuals 18
Homes destroyed or with major damage (excludes businesses) 156
Meals and snacks provided to individuals 9,771
Vehicles providing mobile feeding* 4
Distribution of clean up kits & comfort kits 441
Volunteers 168
* mobile feeding discontinued mid-day 4/17/09
Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund is now more important than ever. Red Cross assistance for this effort may
exceed $200,000. Most of the families that we are serving could least afford to suffer this damage and destruction. They need our help to begin their recovery.
The Disaster Relief Fund provides families with food and a safe place to stay, life sustaining medication, infant supplies, and essential toiletries, in addition to health services and mental health counseling. Equally important, the Disaster Relief Fund allows us to maintain the vehicle fleet, warehouses, communications systems and volunteer training necessary to be able to respond 24 hours a day.
How You Can Help
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims of disasters. Call 864-271-8222 to make a donation. Contributions can be mailed to The American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina at PO Box 9035, Greenville, SC 29604. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.upstateredcross.org.
Companies can also help by implementing a customer donation program, sponsoring an employee giving and matching gift program, or even placing a Red Cross banner ad on your website. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross at CorpPartnerships@usa.redcross.org or 202-303-8380.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Upstate Hit Hard by Tornadoes
South Carolina Tornadoes
April 2009
Tornadoes and strong winds tore through South Carolina on Friday, April 10th, causing widespread damage and destruction. In the Upstate area, Abbeville and Greenwood Counties were especially hard hit. We are still assessing the extent of the damage.
Quick Facts to Date – April 16, 2009
• Statewide, at least 297 homes sustained damage.
• Over 200 trained Red Cross volunteers have been on the scene since the storms hit, providing shelter, feeding, and client assistance.
• Four Emergency Response Vehicles have provided mobile feeding of meals and snacks to approximately 8,000 people.
• Approximately 150 comfort kits and clean-up kits have been distributed to affected families, providing basic hygiene items like soap, shampoo and deodorant along with household cleaners, mops and brooms.
• Six shelters were opened statewide to provide safe and comfortable lodging for individuals affected by the storms.
• Volunteers and staff are meeting with individual families to assess their immediate needs. We are providing families with food and a safe place to stay, life sustaining medication, infant supplies, and essential toiletries.
• Disaster Health and Mental Health workers are available to assist clients with their needs. In particular, trained mental health workers are providing counseling to help residents cope with the emotional distress that often follows a traumatic event like this devastating storm.
• We anticipate that the cost of this relief effort may exceed $100,000.
• All disaster assistance is provided free of charge. We depend on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission.
• To make a monetary donation to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, call the Upstate Chapter at 864-282-8641 or mail to P.O. Box 9035, Greenville, SC 29604.
April 2009
Tornadoes and strong winds tore through South Carolina on Friday, April 10th, causing widespread damage and destruction. In the Upstate area, Abbeville and Greenwood Counties were especially hard hit. We are still assessing the extent of the damage.
Quick Facts to Date – April 16, 2009
• Statewide, at least 297 homes sustained damage.
• Over 200 trained Red Cross volunteers have been on the scene since the storms hit, providing shelter, feeding, and client assistance.
• Four Emergency Response Vehicles have provided mobile feeding of meals and snacks to approximately 8,000 people.
• Approximately 150 comfort kits and clean-up kits have been distributed to affected families, providing basic hygiene items like soap, shampoo and deodorant along with household cleaners, mops and brooms.
• Six shelters were opened statewide to provide safe and comfortable lodging for individuals affected by the storms.
• Volunteers and staff are meeting with individual families to assess their immediate needs. We are providing families with food and a safe place to stay, life sustaining medication, infant supplies, and essential toiletries.
• Disaster Health and Mental Health workers are available to assist clients with their needs. In particular, trained mental health workers are providing counseling to help residents cope with the emotional distress that often follows a traumatic event like this devastating storm.
• We anticipate that the cost of this relief effort may exceed $100,000.
• All disaster assistance is provided free of charge. We depend on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission.
• To make a monetary donation to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, call the Upstate Chapter at 864-282-8641 or mail to P.O. Box 9035, Greenville, SC 29604.
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