While Tropical Storm Irene has passed us by, thousands of people have turned to the American Red Cross for help from up and down the entire east coast.  Last night, the Red Cross managed or supported approximately 340 shelters serving more than 8,600 residents from North Carolina to New England as communities are suffering from significant flooding, wind damage and widespread power outages. 

Since Friday, the Red Cross has provided more than 48,000 overnight stays and workers are also now putting strong focus in assessing the devastation to determine how the Red Cross can help people.

In New England more than 1,200 people stayed in shelters last night, though the population as the storm passed through was much higher as residents gathered during the storm.  Red Cross estimates that more than 5,000 people sought respite in Red Cross shelters during the height of the storm.

In central and western Massachusetts more than 100 people sought shelter in Red Cross managed or supported shelters last night.  While community needs are changing with some people able to return home, ongoing flooding concerns are bringing new needs in other communities.

For residents who do not have family or friends to stay with to ride out the storm and who may be in need of community shelter, the American Red Cross is managing and supporting several regional shelters throughout central and western Massachusetts.  People can find open Red Cross shelters by viewing an interactive Google map at www.redcross.org or by downloading the free Red Cross shelter app for their iPhone from the iTunes store.  A mobile-friendly version of the Hurricane Safety Checklist is now available for smart phone users to download at www.redcross.org/mobile.  In Massachusetts, residents can also dial 211 for information on available shelters.

If you are evacuating and heading to a shelter, bring extra clothing, pillows, blankets, prescriptions, and emergency medication, personal hygiene items, and important documents. Don’t forget special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys, along with other items for family members who are elderly or disabled.

It’s important that those affected by the storm stay in contact with loved ones and the Red Cross Safe and Well website can help them do that. Safe and Well is a secure, easy-to-use online tool to help families connect in an emergency. People can register by visiting the Red Cross web site or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donation for those who are able to do so.  The blood supply was already low prior to the storm and many blood drives were cancelled resulting in a shortfall.  To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

American Red Cross disaster preparedness starts long before a hurricane makes landfall, beginning with keeping supplies and equipment on stand-by all year to help people in need. On average, the Red Cross spends about $450 million on disaster relief every year. If someone would like to support Red Cross disaster efforts, they can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or sending contributions to their local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.