Greater Chesapeake Region-Baltimore — September 6, 2017-The American Red Cross continues to help people impacted by Hurricane Harvey while getting ready to respond as powerful Hurricane Irma nears the United States and its territories. Hurricane Irma is the most powerful Atlantic Ocean storm on record and people in the possible path of this storm should monitor weather reports and get prepared now.
The rain has stopped but rivers and bayous in the region remain at record flooding levels and flooding is expected to continue for days. Texas officials report damages from Harvey could reach as high as $180 billion, more than hurricanes Katrina or Sandy.
Overnight, more than 16,000 people sought refuge in 90 Red Cross and partner shelters across Texas. The Red Cross is also assisting the Louisiana state government with emergency shelters which hosted more than 640 people last night. More than 3,100 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Texas, with an additional 420 on the way. There are also more than 165 helping in Louisiana. Along with our partners, we have served more than 906,000 meals and snacks in Texas and more than 33,000 in Louisiana. We have trailers of kitchen supplies on the ground to support 16 kitchens, each able to produce 10,000 meals a day.
Mental health and health services professionals have provided nearly 30,000 contacts to provide support and care to evacuees. We’ve distributed more than 194,000 relief items like diapers, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits that contain a deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items.
The Greater Chesapeake Region has 115 volunteers currently deployed to areas that have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. “We appreciate all of our dedicated volunteers who sacrifice their time to help those in need. Thank you,” said Jason Marshall, Southern Maryland Chapter Executive Director.
More than 190 emergency response vehicles have been activated to help deliver meals and relief supplies. The Red Cross is also working in close collaboration with government officials and community partners in both Texas and Louisiana to coordinate potential response efforts.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Red Cross depends on financial donations to be able to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. The Red Cross honors donor intent. Donors can designate their donation to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by choosing that option when donating on redcross.org or on 1-800-RED CROSS. The best way to ensure your donation will go to a specific disaster is to write the specific disaster name in the memo line of a check. We also recommend completing and mailing the donation form on redcross.org with your check.