DETROIT (Nov. 25, 2024) – Extreme weather events in 2024 mounted an overwhelming toll on people across the United States as the American Red Cross provided nonstop relief and care amid the country’s second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters ever recorded. Red Cross volunteers from Michigan supported these national relief efforts all the while responding to the local needs of those impacted by tornadoes, severe storms, and home fires in communities across the state.
This year’s 24 major climate and weather events – hurricanes, storms, flooding and wildfires – are only eclipsed by last year’s record-breaking 28 events.
“These extreme weather events show no signs of slowing down,” said Latoysa “Toy” Rooks, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross Michigan Region. “Whether a disaster happens in Michigan or a community across the country, people are counting on us to help ensure they don’t face it alone. You can help make a difference to those impacted by disasters large or small by making a donation of any size or rolling up a sleeve to give blood.”
On GivingTuesday, Dec. 3, and during the holidays, visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or make an appointment to give blood. Individuals can also register for Red Cross volunteer opportunities in their area.
In 2024, Red Cross volunteers in Michigan stepped up to support national and local disaster operations in response to an unrelenting pace of extreme weather. Since January, more than 250 Michigan volunteers have deployed to nearly 40 disaster operations including hurricanes in the Southeast and Texas, wildfires in southern California and the Northwest, and flooding in Northwest Iowa.
After a tornado swept through Southwest Michigan in May, more than 70 volunteers supported the disaster operation. Teams of volunteers were also dispatched to assist residents displaced or impacted by home fires across the state.
After a home fire, the Red Cross works with local fire departments to connect with families for needs like emergency lodging, emotional support, and other assistance. In the first 10 months of this year, the Red Cross has responded to more than 1,400 home fires in Michigan.
As part of its Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross installs free smoke alarms and teaches fire safety education to help reduce fire-related fatalities and injuries. Between January and October, volunteers installed more than 6,000 smoke alarms throughout Michigan, making 2,427 homes safer as a result.
Beyond extreme weather events, people stepped up through the Red Cross to address other humanitarian needs, including:
Blood Donations: As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is grateful for the millions of donors nationwide, including Michigan, who rolled up a sleeve throughout the year for patients in need. In Michigan, nearly 15,000 donors have given blood for the first time this year. Blood donors helped the Red Cross overcome a significant number of blood drive cancellations due to the country’s severe weather and heat. It also allowed the Red Cross to pre-position blood products near areas likely to be impacted.
In the weeks ahead, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can be a challenging time to collect enough blood for those in need. Now through Dec. 8, those who come to give will receive two pairs of custom FRIENDS + Red Cross socks, while supplies last, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. See RedCrossBlood.org/Friends for details.
Military Families: Through our 24/7, global Hero Care Network, Red Crossers support military members, veterans and their families in Michigan throughout the year by helping them cope with the challenges of service. Services include resiliency workshops and connecting deployed service members with their loved ones in times of emergency. Amanda Eidemiller is a volunteer and workshop facilitator.
About our Regional Holiday Supporters
The Red Cross Michigan Region is grateful for corporate partners like OnStar who contribute to our Holiday Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of OnStar and other supporters, the Red Cross is able to bring help and hope to people in need.
The Michigan Region has highlighted a series of memorable stories in its Year-In-Review of how volunteers, employees and donors are making a difference.
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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606
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 follow us on social media.