The American Red Cross continues its mission to respond to disasters across the country.  We are on the ground responding to continued flooding in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, as well as the wildfires in Texas.  Red Cross continues to deploy staff and volunteers for short and long-term recovery efforts.

Disaster Overview

In Pennsylvania, all mandatory evacuations have been lifted however some voluntary evacuations remain in effect. Eleven boil water advisories remain in effect, affecting over 30,000 residents. Eleven sewage treatment plants and fourte

en water treatment plants have been affected by the flooding. Four dams remain under watch.  In New Jersey, power and gas restoration efforts have been completed for the majority of customers.

In New York, the President signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. The declaration provides assistance for Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga Counties. 
 
In Texas, the largest fire in Bastrop County is now at 70% containment, but new fires are beginning to form.  A new fire developed in Upshur County, prompting more evacuations.  This fire is near another fire of concern in Cass and Marion Counties, which are along the Arkansas and Louisiana border.  A new fire in Bush Park, Houston has also sprung and burned 1,500 acres.

Red Cross Response

As of September 14th in response to Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and the Texas wildfires the Red Cross response has:

• Opened and supported approximately 586 shelters providing approximately 64,500 overnight stays.  On Tuesday night, September 12th, the Red Cross had 23 shelters open providing more than 960 overnight stays.
• Served more than 2.1 million meals and snacks. 
• Distributed more than 337,000 relief items such as hygiene and clean-up kits, mops, brooms, tarps, work gloves and coolers.
• Provided more than 35,800 mental health and health services consultations.
• Mobilized more than 7,800 workers to help those in need.  

Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; you can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Customers of participating wireless carriers can make a $10 donation to support Disaster Relief by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999.  Donations will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid account. Message & Data rates may apply. Full terms and privacy policy can be found at redcross.org/m.Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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.