Japan’s disaster survivors cope with cold, illness, fuel shortages and personal loss
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 — Shaken by its worst disaster in recent memory, Japan is battling to restore the hope for a shocked and vulnerable population, including hundreds of thousands crowded into evacuation centers, and slowly get back on its feet despite daunting obstacles.
In many respects, the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan’s northeast is rapidly becoming a disaster associated with the elderly. The three evacuation centers in the shattered town of Otsuchi are filled with the old and ill. Many are too tired or too sick to do little but lie on mattresses on the floor, swathed in blankets.
The weather is taking a heavy toll on the health of the survivors in evacuation centers, many of whom are elderly. Japanese Red Cross Society doctors say there has been an increase in cases of influenza and some diarrheal diseases.
Takanori Watanabe, a Red Cross doctor from Himeji, in western Japan, arrived in Otsuchi as part of a 12-person mobile medical team which runs daily clinics around the evacuation centers.
Friday the team was based in the infirmary of Otsuchi High School, where about 700 people filled the floor space of the school’s gymnasium. The infirmary’s only two beds are being used by an elderly woman who is barely conscious and an old man attached to an I/V drip who is badly dehydrated. Most of the patients coming to the clinic are elderly and many have lost their daily medication in the disaster.
“There are a lot of people with chronic conditions and today, it’s cold so some people have fallen ill,” Dr. Watanabe said. “We’ve had a bad stomach virus going around so a lot of people are getting diarrhea and becoming dehydrated. The Red Cross teams have a limited variety of medicine and since supplies are limited patients are getting just three-day’s supply.’
Another member of Dr. Watanabe’s team, who is trained in emotional counseling, sits in the corner, quietly comforting a teenage girl who has her head in her hands and is sobbing. Everyone in Otsuchi has lost someone. A relative, a friend or a neighbor – the entire town has been affected. Helping people to overcome trauma is a major issue and teams of Japanese Red Cross Society counselors are being deployed to combat stress-related illnesses that are beginning to emerge.
Certainly, life in the evacuation centers isn’t easy for the young either. Ayumi Yamazaki, 21, sits in the large gymnasium with her older sister, niece, mother and one-and-a-half year-old daughter, Yuwa. Her house was destroyed in the tsunami. She just managed to escape, first to a nearby hill, but when the churning mass of debris brought in by the tsunami caught fire, she was forced further up the mountain.
“We get one bowl of soup or one piece of bread to share among three people,” she said. “It’s cold here, and these two (pointing to her daughter and niece) caught a cold but just now we got some medicine from the Red Cross.”
At the Otsuchi municipal council, Koso Hirano, has a massive job on his hands. By default, he assumed control of the council when the Mayor and seven other council members died when the tsunami came in.
“We always thought we were well prepared,” he said. “We built six meter (20 feet) barrages and dykes but the wave was ten meters (33 feet) high and people barely had twenty minutes to escape”, said Hirano whose main task now is ensuring that evacuees have sufficient food and water supplies.
American Red Cross Contributes an Initial $10 Million to Assist Japan’s Earthquake and Tsunami Survivors
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, March 15, 2011 — The American Red Cross today announced an initial contribution of $10 million to the Japanese Red Cross Society to assist in its ongoing efforts to provide medical care and relief assistance to the people of Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
“We are grateful for the American public’s generosity and compassion following what has been declared one of the most devastating earthquakes in history,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president of international services with the American Red Cross. “The American Red Cross is in a unique position to help channel that support to our partner in Japan that is playing a critical humanitarian role and comforting the survivors.”
In addition to financial assistance, a disaster management expert from the American Red Cross arrived in Japan Monday for a week-long mission. She is serving on a seven-person, international team focused on providing high-level support and advice to the Japanese Red Cross, which continues to support the Japanese government’s earthquake and tsunami response.
The Japanese Red Cross is a highly experienced disaster relief organization with two million volunteers nationwide. Many local volunteers took immediate action following the disaster by distributing relief items, offering hot meals, clearing debris and providing medical transportation.
As concerns mount about damage to nuclear power plants in the north, the Japanese Red Cross is also focused on supporting the 200,000 people who have been evacuated from the exclusion zone. Many of the Japanese Red Cross branch offices have trained nuclear decontamination teams and equipment, including special tents for decontamination which can be used to support a government response. A specialist medical team at the Nagasaki Red Cross hospital is on standby, ready to receive patients if people become ill as a result of radiation poisoning. Other hospitals in the area are monitoring radiation levels to protect the patients they are currently treating.
At public shelters and throughout the country, local volunteers are handing out relief items, including more than 65,000 blankets which are of great comfort to the displaced, many of whom had been sleeping outdoors, in their vehicles and wherever else they can find space since the earthquake.
“There is a real concern for the elderly, who are extremely vulnerable to hypothermia,” said Meltzer. “Japan is a country with a high proportion of seniors, and the Red Cross will be doing all it can to support them through this dreadful experience.”
More than 100 medical teams, made up of more than 700 people, including doctors and nurses have been providing assistance in the most affected areas through mobile medical clinics. Trained nurses with the Japanese Red Cross are also offering psychosocial support to traumatized survivors.
While the damage is undeniably severe and needs enormous, thousands of survivors are grateful for their lives post-disaster. Investments in early-warning systems and disaster preparedness and other training programs, including those from the American Red Cross following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, paid off in the Pacific Basin last week. The Japanese government’s own system helped hundreds of thousands evacuate to the approximately 2,000 shelters supported by the Japanese Red Cross before the first tsunami waves reached the mainland. And Red Cross societies in Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Palau and Fiji undoubtedly saved lives by alerting and evacuating residents when the tsunami warnings sounded.
Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Gifts to the American Red Cross will support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific crisis, contributions are used to prepare for and service victims of other crises.
In the coming weeks, the American Red Cross expects to make additional contributions to support the humanitarian response. Donations received from American Red Cross and other Red Cross partners will aid Japan’s relief and recovery efforts through the Japanese Red Cross and possibly other organizations as experts on the ground determine the best way forward. Donations received by the Japanese Red Cross from people within Japan will be pooled and managed by an independent grant disbursement committee, which will include the Japanese Red Cross. The grants will be disbursed in installments in order to responsibly and effectively respond to the country’s evolving relief and recovery needs
Update: The American Red Cross Responds to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami
The American Red Cross is offering assistance to the Japanese Red Cross following Friday’s magnitude 8.9 earthquake and resulting tsunami that left towns and villages in Japan devastated.
The earthquake triggered fires and caused severe damage to buildings, leaving five million households without electricity and 1 million without water. Early assessments indicate that more than 2,500 houses have collapsed completely, with 2,500 more damaged.
In addition, as part of preparations for the impact of the tsunami on Hawaii and the West Coast, the American Red Cross provided shelter and comfort to people forced to evacuate from their homes. Red Cross chapters in California, Oregon and Washington opened evacuation centers supporting more than 2,500 people seeking refuge from the tsunami waves. Warehouses and mobile feeding vehicles remain on alert in case they are needed.
Since early Friday morning, we have been in close contact with our colleagues in the Pacific region to offer our support and learn more about the humanitarian needs. The Japanese Red Cross has indicated that it would accept financial support from the American Red Cross for its role providing first aid, emotional support and relief items to those displaced.
To date, the Red Cross has not received any requests for blood from the Japanese Red Cross, the Japanese government or the United States State Department.
In the first 24 hours, the Japanese Red Cross dispatched 62 response teams. These medical relief teams – made up of about 400 doctors, nurses and support staff – are already providing assistance in affected areas through mobile medical clinics, as well as assessing the damage and needs of the communities affected.
More than 300,000 people who were evacuated before the tsunami struck have been housed in temporary centers set up in schools and public buildings where the Red Cross has distributed upwards of 30,000 blankets so far.
The damage caused to the Fukushima nuclear power plant has resulted in serious concerns. The Japanese Red Cross Society remains prepared to support those evacuated from the exclusion zone, and continues to closely monitor the situation.
“The Japanese Red Cross has diligently trained over the past decade, and are able to put their training into practice by assisting the affected people,” said Tadateru Konoé, president of the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Investments in early-warning systems and disaster preparedness and other training programs, including those from the American Red Cross following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, paid off in the Pacific Basin yesterday. Red Cross societies in Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Palau and Fiji, for example, undoubtedly saved lives by alerting and evacuating residents when the tsunami warnings sounded.
To respond to the needs of those concerned about relatives in the affected regions International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is encouraging those living overseas to make use of its restoring family links web page: www.icrc.org/familylinks.
Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific
The American Red Cross Responds to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 — The American Red Cross stands ready and willing to assist following a magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami that affected other countries in the Pacific region.
The Japanese Red Cross Society has extraordinary disaster response capabilities, and has mobilized eleven teams to heavily-damaged communities to provide assessments and first aid and prepare to supply emotional support and relief. The American Red Cross is in communication through its global partners with the Pacific nations that sustained the most damage, and stands ready to provide assistance as needed. To date, the Red Cross has not received any requests for blood from the Japanese Red Cross, the Japanese government of the United States State Department.
With potential danger headed to the west coast of the United States, Red Cross chapters are on alert and stand ready to provide assistance as needed in their communities in coordination with local and federal response partners. Red Cross warehouses in Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), California, Washington and Hawaii are mobilizing resources; and approximately 100 mobile feeding vehicles are on standby. Evacuation shelters are open with additional locations on standby in Oregon, Washington and California.
The Red Cross does not collect blood in Hawaii but has reached out to other blood collection agencies to offer services and is on standby to support any blood needs across the mainland as well.
The best way to contact or locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan is to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has offered to assist Japan with restoring family links.
In addition, with ongoing evacuations in the United States, the Red Cross Safe and Well website is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies like tsunamis. There are several easy ways to register yourself or search for a loved one on the Safe and Well website: from a computer, visit www.redcross.org, from a smartphone visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell or from any phone, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for help registering.
Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
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.
Read MoreFind a Loved One Through International Tracing Services
With conflict and turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa and yesterday's earthquake in New Zealand, people in Metro Detroit may be living in fear and uncertainty after having lost contact with family members in affected areas.
The American Red Cross, as part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, has the ability to reconnect families around the world that have lost contact due to armed conflict or natural disasters.
American Red Cross "Restoring Family Links" services are provided for free as part of the Red Cross's international humanitarian mission. They are available when:
Families have been separated as a result of either armed conflict or disaster.
As much as possible, families should have tried normal channels of communication before requesting Red Cross tracing services.
The family member making the inquiry provides essential information on the sought person.
The family member making the inquiry is a close family relative, who has been in direct contact with the sought person before the conflict or disaster occurred.
American Red Cross staff and volunteers will work with their counterparts in the affected country to track down and reconnect family members. At times, the message can be as simple as "I am alive."
People in Metro Detroit who have lost contact with a close relative should call the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region Chapter at (800) 774-6066. Click here for more information.
The American Red Cross cannot accept requests when there is insufficient information to conduct a search; or when it is for genealogical research; or tracing regarding legal matters such as wills, child custody etc.; or the tracing of birth parents or third party requests.
Read MoreAmerican Red Cross Urges Preparedness As Damaging Winter Storm Threatens About 100 Million People
Blood Services Contacts:
- Martha Roemer Kurtz, 313-494-2745
- Bridget Tuohey, 313-576-4184
- redcrossblood.org
Chapter Contacts (Emergency Preparedness):
- Allison Koenigbauer, 248-302-2930
- John Mozena, 313-460-7441
- semredcross.org
Blood donors needed as winter weather continues to affect supply
The American Red Cross is preparing to respond to the destructive winter storm that is bearing down on the country from just east of the Rocky Mountains to the coast of New England. The storm could impact a third of the population of the United States, and it threatens to bring blizzard conditions and heavy ice and snow.
This latest winter blast could further impact the Red Cross blood supply which has already seen more than 18,000 expected blood donations go uncollected over the last several weeks due to bad winter weather. People are asked to make an appointment to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org. Those who live in the path of the storm are asked to schedule a donation time when it is safe to travel. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood.
People have been responding to the call for blood donors, and the Red Cross is grateful to those who are stepping up to donate blood to help build the blood supply back to where it should be. The Red Cross distributes blood products to approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the United States.
“We are grateful for the upswing in donations which has occurred since we issued the call for people to give blood,” said Richard Benjamin, Chief Medical Officer, American Red Cross. “However, this latest storm is expected to further impact our ability to hold blood collections. We continue to need the public’s help to rebuild our blood inventory back to a safe and adequate level.”
Red Cross chapters all across the country are preparing to respond to the storm as needed. The Red Cross is working with state and local government officials and calling disaster workers, getting them ready to respond if necessary.
Weather experts are predicting the storm could affect about 100 million people. Heavy snow will make travel impossible at times, with snow drifting as high as eight feet in some locations. Some areas will experience a crippling amount of ice which could lead to power outages for hundreds of thousands of customers. Dangerously cold air could give way to wind chills reading below zero. Southern states will not escape the storm’s fury, as severe thunderstorms are predicted to sweep across the region, accompanied by damaging winds.
The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to stay safe and warm:
• Do not use stoves or ovens to heat the home.
• Place space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away.
• Turn off space heaters or extinguish the fireplace before going to bed or leaving home.
• Keep all flammable materials such as newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.
If someone must go outside, they should wear layered lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Covering the mouth will protect the lungs. Other safety tips include:
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
• If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if someone must be out on the roads …
o Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
o Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
o The traveler should let someone know where they are going, the route being taken and expected arrival time. If their vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.
For more information on how to stay safe and warm during this latest onslaught of winter, visit www.redcross.org.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in southeast Michigan: relief to disaster victims, emergency aid to active and retired military personnel and their families, and the knowledge and skills to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergency situations. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semredcrossblog.org.
About the American Red Cross-Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region
The Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region serves five counties, and needs to collect about 900 units of blood a day to meet patient need in 43 hospitals. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross 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.
DTE Energy Foundation and American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter Announce Youth Disaster Preparedness Initiative and Funding of Red Cross Disaster Services Efforts
DETROIT—October 4, 2010—The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter and the DTE Energy Foundation today announced an initiative to prepare children and young adults in Southeastern Michigan to prevent and respond to emergencies and disasters in their homes, schools, neighborhoods and communities. In addition, DTE Energy announced an employee donation program with a matching funds component that will support Red Cross disaster services efforts in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The DTE Energy Foundation is making a $300,000 grant to support the foundation of Red Cross Clubs in schools located in the areas of greatest need in Southeastern Michigan. These clubs go to the core of the Red Cross mission and message of preparedness, giving area youth the skills and experience they need to make their homes, schools and communities safer places to live and work. Clubs will be founded on a rolling basis in schools over the course of a three-year period.
In addition, DTE Energy employees will be given the opportunity to participate in a donation program to address the critical need of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter for Disaster Services funds. Thanks to a DTE Energy Foundation disaster response fund managed by the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, all DTE Energy employee donations will be matched 1:1 by the fund, up to $50,000.
“The DTE Energy Foundation and the employees of DTE Energy are making a critical investment in the ability of our community to prepare for, prevent and respond to disasters,” said American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter Board Chair Denise Ilitch. “An educated and prepared child becomes an educated and prepared adult, which will benefit our region for decades to come. We’re extremely grateful to the DTE Energy Foundation and the employees of DTE Energy for their support during this time of critical need for the Red Cross in our community.”
The DTE Energy Foundation was approached by the leadership of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter to support the creation of the Red Cross Clubs initiative in the region.
“This youth initiative through the Red Cross Clubs is an investment in the health, safety and well-being of the people of Southeastern Michigan that will make a difference in our community for years to come,” said Fred Shell, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “The people of DTE Energy recognize the critical role that the Red Cross plays in our community and we’re very proud to support their efforts to make Southeastern Michigan a safer and more prepared place to live, work and grow.”
While the Red Cross Clubs initiative and DTE Energy employee donation program have been in the planning stages since early 2010, this support comes at a critical time for the Red Cross in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
“The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is not funded by the government and is not a part of the United Way,” said Ilitch. “It’s only through support such as this by the DTE Energy Foundation, DTE Energy and their employees that Red Cross volunteers and staff can help our community prepare for, prevent and respond to disasters, and we need this support now more than ever.”
About DTE Energy:
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan; MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan; and other non-utility energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com and at www.twitter.com/dte_energy.
About the DTE Energy Foundation:
The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its principal operating subsidiaries, Detroit Edison and MichCon. The Foundation directs its contributions and involvement to support initiatives dedicated to developing the human and economic potential of the communities it serves. Grants are awarded under the foundation's "LEAD" guidelines: leadership, education, environment, achievement, development and diversity in the DTE Energy service territory, which includes southeast, western and northern Michigan. The DTE Energy Foundation is fully funded by the shareholders of DTE Energy.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in southeast Michigan: relief to disaster victims, emergency aid to active and retired military personnel and their families, and the knowledge and skills to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergency situations. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semredcrossblog.org.
State Farm Supports Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the America Red Cross fire relief efforts
In response to fires that swept through several Detroit neighborhoods a few weeks ago devastating 85 homes, State Farm Insurance provided a $5000 disaster relief grant to the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Chapter to help provide people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs such as food, clothing and shelter. The Red Cross assisted 40 families affected by those fires. Because State Farm's generous support the Red Cross is able to respond to disasters like this in the Southeast Michigan communities.
"The American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Chapter is extremely grateful for the support given by State Farm and will continue to be able to respond to emergencies throughout the Southeast Michigan area because of this support," stated Glen Hendricks, Director of Emergency Services
State Farm helps people recover from the unexpected and the American Red Cross provides relief to disaster victims. This common concern is why State Farm has partnered with the non-profit since WWII and annually donates $1 million nationally. Each year State Farm awards grant money to non-profit organizations, governmental entities, and educational institutions for programs that help make communities safer, stronger, and more educated.
"So many people in that area did not have insurance or were underinsured, and I truly appreciate State Farm coming forward to help these people in need," said State Senator Martha G. Scott (D-Highland Park).
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in southeast Michigan: relief to disaster victims, emergency aid to active and retired military personnel and their families, and the knowledge and skills to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergency situations. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semredcrossblog.org.
Read MoreSEM Chapter responds to fires on windy night
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter has been busy since last night assisting Detroiters with food, clothing and shelter after downed electrical lines and winds caused fires all over the city.
So far, the SEM Chapter Emergency Services Department has assisted 40 people affected by last night's fires with food and clothing and at nine families were provided with overnight lodging.
Calls from area residents who need help have been received today and more calls are expected throughout the afternoon.
If you would like to donate to your local Red Cross, please call 313-833-2664 or online by clicking here and donating to your local chapter.
Hurricane Earl Heads for Mainland - Red Cross Makes Preparations
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 — The American Red Cross is helping people already affected by Hurricane Earl in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and preparing for any landfall the huge storm may make along the eastern coastline of the United States. Up and down the coast from Georgia to Maine, the Red Cross has trained disaster workers, more than 150 mobile response vehicles and four warehouses stocked with relief supplies on alert.
donate pageEarl has strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of 135 mph extending outward as far as 70 miles from the center of the storm. The National Hurricane Center has urged people from the Carolinas to New England to closely monitor the storm as it makes its way toward the United States. The storm, approximately 500 miles wide, could cause flooding and high winds to areas inland as well as along the coastline. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fiona has also formed in the Atlantic, with sustained winds of 40 mph.
"We are making preparations for Earl's landfall, but we urge everyone who may be in the path of the storm to also get prepared," said Joe Becker, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. "Early predictions indicate the storm will affect those who are miles inland. Being ready is your best protection against a storm like this."
The Red Cross sheltered more than 50 people overnight on the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, after winds and torrential rains caused flooding and damage to area homes. In Puerto Rico, the Red Cross assisted its government partners by providing help to stranded airport travelers. A seven-member Red Cross disaster-relief team is in the area assisting with logistics, feeding, mass care and operations. Red Cross warehouses on the islands are stocked with additional disaster relief supplies that are ready to be dispatched where needed.
The island of Antigua was heavily affected by the storm and more than 300 people took refuge in shelters, where the Red Cross provided first aid and food. The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society, Saint Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society, and Overseas Branches of the Netherlands, British and French Red Cross Societies worked with government authorities to set up shelters for evacuees and provided first aid and food with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Residents along the East Coast should be vigilant and watch for the effects of Earl, even if you think you are out of harms way. The Red Cross has a list of important steps you can take to get your household ready should Hurricane Earl threaten your community. If a hurricane watch is posted for your area, it means hurricane conditions are a threat within the next 48 hours. Be ready to act if a warning is issued. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if authorities tell you to go. Updated shelter location information is readily available.
"The most important thing people can do is prepare now in case their area ends up in the path of this storm," Becker said. "Don't wait until the last minute. Safety is the top priority."
The strong Atlantic storms have also caused powerful rip currents all along the East Coast. With the Labor Day holiday weekend only a few days away, the Red Cross advises anyone visiting eastern shore points to swim only on lifeguard-protected beaches, within the designated swimming areas.
If caught in a rip current, remember the following:
* Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
* Never fight against the current.
* Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
* If unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
* If unable to reach shore, yell for help and draw attention to yourself.
* Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.
If you would like to help, there are a variety of ways that you can: You can click, text or call to make a financial donation to the Red Cross to help people affected by this storm and other disasters. Visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The storm may also impact blood collections in the affected areas. To find out how you can be a blood donor, visit www.redcrossblood.org
Help people affected by disasters like Hurricane Earl 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 prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.org.
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