Media Contact: Melissa Duplantier
(504) 881-9090 | Melissa.Duplantier2@redcross.org
[NEW ORLEANS, LA] April 29, 2026 — With 13 named storms and six hurricanes predicted for the 2026 Atlantic season, the American Red Cross is not leaving Louisiana's safety to chance. Though the forecast suggests a near-average year, Red Cross leaders warn that a single landfall can change lives forever. Starting May 1, the Red Cross Louisiana Region will begin a 72-hour readiness sprint, a series of three Hurricane Readiness Summits in Kenner, Baton Rouge and Alexandria. This proactive effort is designed to sharpen the region's plan for action, ensuring volunteers and partners are ready to serve long before a storm enters the Gulf.
"At the American Red Cross, we don't have an off-season for readiness because we know a single storm can change a neighbor's life forever. When a storm makes landfall at 2 a.m., there's no time to figure out who does what,” said Kenneth St. Charles, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Louisiana Region. “These summits mean our volunteers already know the plan and they're ready to act the moment Louisiana needs us."
The three summits, running May 1 through May 3, are designed to bring together Red Cross leadership, trained volunteers, and community partners to finalize a shared Hurricane Framework for the 2026 season. Attendees will participate in disaster response training, collaborative planning sessions, and partnership discussions aimed at ensuring a seamless network of support the moment a tropical system threatens the Gulf.
In addition to partner coordination and planning exercises, the summits serve as a critical mobilization point for the Red Cross' volunteer workforce, the lifeblood of any disaster response. Red Cross volunteers are trained and deployed to operate emergency shelters, distribute meals and relief supplies, provide emotional support to families in crisis, and assist with recovery planning in the days and weeks following a storm.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Members of the media are invited to cover all three summits. On-site opportunities include live disaster response training and one-on-one interviews with Red Cross leadership and veteran disaster responders.
SUMMIT SCHEDULE
JOIN THE MISSION BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS: The Red Cross cannot respond alone. As forecasters warn that even a below-average season can produce catastrophic storms for communities in a storm's path, there has never been a more urgent time to get trained and ready. Whether you can shelter families, distribute meals, or coordinate logistics, your skills are needed and the time to train is now, before the season begins.
Become a disaster responder today. Visit redcross.org/louisiana to sign up and train as a volunteer before the 2026 hurricane season begins.
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/louisiana or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
