Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (July 12, 2023) — American Red Cross of Northern Nevada disaster volunteers and staff will deploy to Vermont early tomorrow. These are the first local disaster workers from the Red Cross to join the more than 100 trained relief team members from across the country on the ground responding to catastrophic flooding in the area.
“The American Red Cross and our partners are working around the clock in Vermont to help those in need,” said Mary Powell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “We want to help make sure everyone impacted by the disaster has a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies, emotional support and comfort in the face of this devastating flooding.”
The American Red Cross has mobilized across multiple states to open shelters and provide urgent relief to the affected communities. The damage began over the weekend, causing major flooding in New York and Pennsylvania. The storm then moved north to New England, bearing down on Vermont where officials are cautioning residents that the danger isn’t over. Multiple homes and businesses are damaged, there have been more than 100 water rescues, several areas are cut off due to flooding, and many roads have been washed away, stranding motorists traveling through the region, according to Vermont officials.
Volunteers Barbara Kramer and Ann Mattingly and Northern Nevada Red Cross Disaster Program Manager Sharie Lewis, all from Reno, leave early tomorrow for a scheduled two-week deployment in Vermont, where they’ll join other Red Crossers in support of mass care, logistics, sheltering and other services for people in need. “They will join other Red Cross volunteers who are coordinating closely with community and government partners to ensure people have the help they need,” said Powell. “I’m proud of our dedicated Northern Nevada Red Cross team.”
How can you help the people affected by the flooding
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.
The Disaster Action Team needs you
Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and valuable information to help families begin to recover. They offer immediate compassion and care when it is needed most. Additional Disaster Action Team volunteers are needed in Northern Nevada to ensure that there is always someone ready to answer the call when a disaster strikes. The Red Cross provides training and support. Learn more: 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.