Media Contact:
Ashley Henyan
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Ashley.henyan@redcross.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Extreme Weather Across DMV Sparks Red Cross Volunteers into Action
More than two dozen trained disaster workers responded to multiple emergencies over the weekend of July 29-30.
Washington, DC, July 31, 2023— Amid extreme heat advisories, on Saturday, July 29 the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region received around 30 calls for assistance after severe storms tore through the DMV. Damaging winds knocked out power and downed trees from Prince William County, MD to Prince George's County, MD and across the District. Roughly 25 trained Red Cross disaster responders – mostly volunteers – mobilized to provide health and mental health support, food and water and financial assistance, according to need. In the days and weeks to come, volunteer case workers will continue to work with the families and individuals impacted and help them get on the road to recovery.
In the City of Alexandria alone, around 16,000 community members experienced power outages due to the severe thunderstorms that came through the area. Additionally, Red Cross workers supported a reception center in Wheaton for those who lost power during severe storms on July 29, during extreme heat conditions.
“Extreme weather is disrupting lives and causing devastating harm to people across the country,” said Dale Kunce, CEO for the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. “And unfortunately the impacts of severe weather, due to the climate crisis, take a disproportionate toll on the most vulnerable, specifically lower-income communities.”
Globally, people were forced from their homes 23.7 million times by disasters in 2021 and in the last 10 years, the number of billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. has increased by 70%.
Take important safety steps now – download the Red Cross emergency app!
The FREE Emergency app is available to help you prepare for the unexpected. It is simple to use and lets you customize 40 different weather alerts with fast notifications. It provides step-by-step guides to help you prepare and you can easily find open Red Cross shelters with an interactive map. Choose to use the app in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language toggle, and full weather alerts in both English and Spanish.
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
As we approach the middle of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.
Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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