American Red Cross
National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region
Media Contact:
Ashley Henyan
843-571-8945
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Red Cross prepares for potential tropical storm conditions
Three important steps community members should take now to be better prepared ahead of severe weather.
WASHINGTON, DC, BALTIMORE, MD, WILMINGTON, DE, September 22, 2023 — As national preparedness month continues, the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake region is making initial preparations to respond to potentially tropical storm-force wind and rain this weekend. Preparedness experts with the organization are also urging everyone to take action for this weekend’s severe weather and the worsening climate disasters in the DMV and on the Delmarva Peninsula—areas where the Red Cross has seen an increase in flood-related emergency responses in recent years.
According to NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, in Maryland, the frequency of billion-dollar, weather-related disasters averaged more than five per year between 2018 and 2022— a 90% increase when compared with an average of less than three per year between 2008 and 2012.
Severe weather like this is part of a worsening national trend in which the American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago.
With more climate-driven disasters upending lives and devastating communities, the Red Cross is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity locally and across the country, while also funding new international programs on climate response and preparedness; as well as minimizing its own environmental footprint.
“Everyone should take a forecast for severe weather seriously—especially because we are in a climate crisis in the DMV, the U.S. and across the globe,” said Dale Kunce, CEO for the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. “Today is the day to get your emergency plans in place.”
WHAT EVERY HOUSEHOLD CAN DO NOW TO PREPARE Take three lifesaving actions: get a kit, make a plan and be informed — to help protect yourself and your household against local emergencies. Follow safety tips now at redcross.org/prepare. You can also deliver relief and care to families facing emergencies and climate disasters by becoming a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/VolunteerToday.
SUPPORT RED CROSS DISASTER RELIEF WORK Help people affected by disasters big and small, including climate-driven crises, by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters in the U.S. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a financial donation.
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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