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Bombings In London Leave City Crippled
Written by
Lesly C. Simmons
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Thursday, July 07, 2005 — A series of bombings in London during this morning’s rush hour has left at least 33 people dead and hundreds more dealing with injuries. London officials are treating it as a terrorist attack.
As a result, several major cities in the United States have increased the police presence in and around mass transit systems, including Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Emergency vehicles respond to this morning's bombings during London's rush hour. (Photo Credit: BBC News) |
Officials in London are urging members of the public not to travel into London at this time. The city’s subway system, the Underground, will be closed for the rest of the day but is expected to reopen tomorrow.
Please note: the American Red Cross cannot accept any International Disaster Welfare Inquiries for this event. The Metropolitan Police Service in London is accepting calls from people seeking information on their friends and family at 0870 1566 344.
Inquiries regarding American citizens should be directed to the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.
The British Red Cross has deployed first aid volunteers and ambulances in support of rescue efforts.
Marcus Stephan, British Red Cross operations director for London, said: “The Red Cross is supporting the statutory services in responding to the explosions. We will continue to provide support for as long as we are needed.”
Events like these make everyone more concerned for their safety and that of their friends and family. While terrorist attacks happen without warning, there are a few steps you can take to increase your sense of security by being prepared.
What You Can Do to Prepare
1. Create an emergency communications plan.
Choose an out-of-town contact your family or household will call or e-mail to check on each other should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact. Make sure every household member has that contact's, and each other's, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers (home, work, pager and cell). Leave these contact numbers at your children's schools, if you have children, and at your workplace. Your family should know that if telephones are not working, they need to be patient and try again later or try e-mail. Many people flood the telephone lines when emergencies happen but e-mail can sometimes get through when calls don't.
2. Establish a meeting place.
Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may even want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency. Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.
3. Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
If you need to evacuate your home or are asked to "shelter in place," having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable. Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can. Include "special needs" items for any member of your household (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of clothing for each household member, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a battery powered radio or television and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools. It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licenses) in your kit.
About Donations
The British Red Cross has not issued an appeal to members of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement for funds to support this crisis. The American Red Cross is not currently soliciting or accepting contributions (financial or individual or collected donations of products) to support the emergency response in London at this time. To learn more about the British Red Cross response to the bombings, visit www.redcross.org.uk.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575. (Spanish). Donations can also be mailed to your local 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 www.redcross.org.
Update: Original story has been edited to update information about contributions under the "About Donations" section.
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