Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (July 5, 2024) — Today, five trained disaster relief volunteers from the American Red Cross of Nevada have been deployed to Texas in anticipation of Hurricane Beryl’s landfall expected next week. Teams and relief supplies are being strategically positioned to aid those in the storm’s path.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts Hurricane Beryl regaining strength in the Gulf waters before making landfall in south Texas by late Sunday or early Monday. Coastal residents, from Brownsville to Houston, are urged to prepare as Red Cross teams and resources assemble in San Antonio for swift deployment. “Our Nevada Red Cross volunteers are heading to Texas this weekend, ready to assist and bring hope,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Their dedication to aiding others, not just locally but nationwide, is truly commendable. We take pride in our team’s readiness to offer support during times of crisis.”
The Southern Nevada volunteer team includes Tammy Brandl from Pahrump, a veteran of 25 Red Cross deployments, and first-time deployment volunteers Sharon Arima from Las Vegas and a Henderson resident. The Northern Nevada volunteer team includes Ralph Kersten from Reno, a veteran of 13 Red Cross deployments, and Michael Robertson of Reno.
Positioning of Volunteers and Relief Supplies
The Red Cross has strategically placed supplies, vehicles and relief workers in San Antonio to ensure a prompt response after Hurricane Beryl, the earliest major Atlantic hurricane in 58 years, hits the coast and inland areas.
Red Cross is coordinating with local community partners and emergency responders to provide support at evacuation centers.
Response to Hurricane Beryl’s Impact in the Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl’s devastating impact in the Caribbean affected vulnerable populations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Dominica and Barbados, with Jamaica experiencing one of its most powerful hurricanes in recent years. Urgent measures are needed to provide shelter and essential services. Local Red Cross teams are actively mobilizing to overcome obstacles in delivering critical aid, with more volunteers on their way to bolster relief efforts.
Join the team
After initial training, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, like home fires, offering immediate support on-site or remotely. With experience and additional training, volunteers can deploy to major emergencies or disasters locally and nationwide. Explore volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.
Every day, individuals and families in our community rely on Red Cross volunteers for assistance. Volunteers help people affected by disasters, donate blood, teach lifesaving skills and support active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. Discover the volunteer role that suits you best at redcross.org/volunteer.
Support people affected by disasters
Make 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 big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 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 follow us on social media.