Flood waters have receded, clean up is progressing and road repair is underway. However, many Vermont residents are still struggling with recovery in the wake of damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene, especially in areas of the state still isolated by road closures. To meet this need, Red Cross is continuing its disaster relief outreach with Client Services workers from Vermont as well as from other states across the country. They are making their way around road closures to bring relief supplies and recovery counseling to as many Vermont disaster victims as possible.
These workers join a total of 8,000 deployed by Red Cross in response to the floods, fires and tornadoes creating devastation in eight states. Overall, Red Cross has served 1.9 million meals and snacks, handed out more than 217,000 relief items like hygiene kits, mops, gloves, tarps, coolers and provided over 28,000 mental health and health services consultations.
Pictured:Red Cross Client Services workers Deborah Fauver and Pauline Pusey load Jump Start backpacks for distribution.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, remembering the victims and honoring the brave responders, it is vital to keep in mind that the unimaginable can in fact occur. Individual, family and business emergency preparedness can make the difference in how quickly and how well we can recover.
Visit the Red Cross website, www.redcross.org, to learn more about creating a disaster plan, what to include in your emergency supplies kit and how to learn the life-saving skills of First Aid and CPR.
You can also help the Red Cross in its work. Our costs are growing by the hour as we help people in need. Irene alone is projected to cost $10-15 million dollars. Call 1-800-Red Cross or visit www.redcross.org to make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief.
With 84 blood drives cancelled due to Tropical Storm Irene, the Red Cross is in urgent need of blood and platelet donations and asks that people in areas unaffected by the storm consider giving blood as well as those in affected areas when safe to do so. Call 1-800-Red Cross or go to www.redcrossblood.org.
