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DATE: Septermber 3, 2004
LOCAL RED CROSS WORKERS RESPOND TO BACK-TO-BACK HURRICANES
Thus far, this year's hurricane season has been one of the busiest from Bonnie to Hermine.
Following closely on the heels of Tropical Storm Bonnie, Hurricane Charley struck the Gulf Coast
of Florida on Friday, August 13, as a powerful Category 4 storm. Charley packed 180 mph winds
gusts at its worst, killing at least 25 people and causing billions of dollars in damages. Less
then three weeks later, residents in northeastern Florida coastal areas are in the projected path
of another major hurricane and will be experiencing its effects within the next 48 hours.
Hurricane Frances has recently been downgraded to a Category 3 storm, but is expected to impact a
much larger area and has the potential of increasing in intensity again as it nears Florida,
returning to a Category 4 classification by the time it impacts the U.S. mainland. Should
Frances make landfall in Florida at its present strength, it would be the first time since
1915 that two hurricanes of that magnitude have hit the U.S. in the same year. Florida Governor
Jeb Bush has declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm and orders for mandatory
evacuations throughout the state have been issued.
A long-time leader in disaster preparedness and response, the American Red Cross quickly mobilized
a massive relief effort in response to Hurricane Charley – the largest storm response since
Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Hundreds of trained volunteers and staff members and dozens of
Emergency Response Vehicles from across the nation converged upon the affected area. The Red
Cross immediately opened more than 250 shelters, began distributing clean-up kits and other
relief supplies, and has been serving over 200,000 meals and snacks a day to service local
residents and stranded tourists.
Jamie Rich and Barb Carlon-Rich of Pierport (Manistee County), both Disaster Services volunteers
for the West Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross (serving Lake, Manistee and Mason counties),
were among those that responded to Hurricane Charley. The couple has family in Punta Gorda, Port
Charlotte and Fort Myers – the communities in Florida hit hardest by the storm. They drove down
the day that Charley made landfall to assist both their relatives and the American Red Cross with
relief efforts. Jamie and Barb have been assisting with shelter operations in Port Charlotte
since their arrival on August 15 and have maintained close contact with the West Shore Chapter
throughout their stay.
In a recent email to West Shore Chapter management, Jamie Rich stated the following:
“Since this disaster happened in my folk's back yard (and front yard, and side yard), I’ve realized
that it’s not just something you see on TV, or in a far away land. Many of the landmarks and
businesses that I am familiar with are no longer here. Happily, the people here are all pitching
in as much as possible in the aftermath of this devastation. This is a town of good people, and
Barb and I are proud that our organization (American Red Cross) is helping in such a direct,
physical manner. The people here truly let you know how much they appreciate that, which is
very rewarding!”
The West Shore Chapter, in cooperation with American Red Cross national headquarters, is currently
preparing more local volunteers and staff members for deployment in response to Hurricane Frances.
Among those trained and poised for departure are P.J. Albro, Executive Director, and Vicki Krolczyk,
Director of Community Relations & Resource Development. As they join the ranks of American Red
Cross workers from across the country to provide much needed relief to those directly affected
by these hurricanes, the West Shore Chapter’s Governance Board, along with the support of other
dedicated volunteers and staff, will preside over local chapter operations in their stead.
Initial assessments of the projected costs of the American Red Cross response to Hurricane
Charley stand at an estimated $50 million to date, and Hurricane Frances has the potential of
more than doubling that figure. This has prompted the organization to launch a nationwide
fundraising campaign.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time
and money from the American people. You can help the victims of these devastating storms and
thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food,
counseling and other assistance to those in need. Due to partnership agreements with corporate
sponsors, and the logistics involved in providing for specific client needs, the American Red
Cross does not accept in-kind donations of goods for disaster relief.
Local financial contributions are encouraged. Funds donated locally will be forwarded to American
ed Cross national headquarters and can be put to use more quickly. Currently, the national lock
boxes are overwhelmed, which increases donation processing time. Checks or money orders should be
made payable to the American Red Cross, with “Disaster Relief Fund” noted in the memo line, and can
be mailed locally to: American Red Cross – West Shore Chapter, 1644 W. U.S. 10, Scottville, MI 49454.
You may also donate by calling the national hotline at: 1-800-HELP NOW (English) or 1-800-257-7575
(Spanish). Lock box donations can be made by mailing to: American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243,
Washington, DC 20013, and internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting
www.redcross.org.
For more information on current disaster relief efforts, you may contact the West Shore Chapter
at (231) 745-4712, (231) 723-2985 or (231) 757-3069.
The American Red Cross is a participating agency with The United Way.
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