Isaias may have moved quickly through New Jersey, but the strong winds, heavy rains and tornadoes it generated left pockets of damage here and in other states as the storm traveled up the coast.
In New Jersey, wind gusts of more than 100 miles per hour and a tornado that was reported to have touched down in southern part of the state damaged homes, but it seems to the cause of many of the storm-related incidents the Red Cross was called to respond to has been fallen trees.
Because of COVID-19, our physical presence with our response may not look the same as it did before the pandemic, but rest assured that we are still providing critical support to New Jersey families in need. The safety of our workforce and the communities we serve continues to be our priority. Following CDC guidance, Red Cross volunteers are delivering on the ground relief to their neighbors in need and have also been offering some services virtually, including financial assistance and health and mental health services.
At least 32 people in 16 families who were displaced when their homes were heavily damaged by the tropical storm are receiving emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food and other immediate needs.
Falling trees also brought down power lines across the state and many neighborhoods have been without electricity for days.
To provide support for their customers who are without electric service, Atlantic City Electric is providing free water and ice at several locations across their service area. Red Cross is joining this effort and our volunteers are assisting with the distribution at locations in Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic and Cumberland counties.
To learn more about preparing for hurricane season while still protecting yourself from COVID-19, as well as find checklists and other free tools and resources to help you and your family plan, visit redcross.org/Hurricane.
HOW YOU CAN HELP The Red Cross works 24/7 to be ready to respond to hurricanes. Please donate to the Red Cross now to support hurricane relief wherever it is needed. Your gift to Hurricanes 2020 enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Due to predictions for an active hurricane and wildfire season and the complexities of COVID-19, the Red Cross will need additional volunteers to care for people when disasters strike. Train now to be ready as a Red Cross Shelter Volunteer so you can answer the call if your community needs it. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn about our most-needed volunteer positions.