Red Cross volunteers Barbara McGarvey and Dinae Norris distribute cleanup kits at the Wynnfield Library on July 20th. Submitted photo
On July 11, 2026, a series of severe microbursts moved through Philadelphia, producing straight-line winds of up to 70 mph and causing significant damage across West and South Philadelphia.
The storms downed trees and power lines, flooded streets and homes, damaged vehicles and buildings and left thousands without power. The widespread impacts prompted a city disaster emergency declaration and a coordinated recovery response involving local, state, federal and nonprofit partners, including the American Red Cross.
From the earliest days of the response through the recovery operation, Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) duty officers and responders played a critical role in helping the affected communities. The team responded to disaster calls, conducted damage assessments, completed intake activities, coordinated resources and staffed Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs). At every stage of the response, DAT teammates consistently stepped up.
During the operation, the American Red Cross served 134 people (39 families comprised of 78 adults and 56 children). DAT volunteers provided immediate emergency assistance that may include financial assistance, health and emotional care, referrals to community resources and ongoing recovery support. In partnership with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, Red Cross teams staffed three MARCs, where they engaged with more than 300 residents and distributed 327 cleanup kits.
American Red Cross volunteers Griff Schrack and Linda Szypula served on a microburst storm response team. Photo by Debbie Tevlin / American Red Cross
The response was strengthened by collaboration across Disaster Cycle Services: information and planning, detailed damage assessment, intake, financial and statistical Information, staffing, mass care, external relations and leadership. This collaboration ensured that duty officers and responders had the resources and support needed to serve clients effectively.
The numbers tell only part of the story. Behind every case opened, every cleanup kit distributed and every resource provided were DAT volunteers who answered the call when their communities needed them most.
To those who answered the call, THANK YOU! Your efforts reflect the strength of the Red Cross mission in action and the vital role DAT volunteers play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
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- Submitted by Debbie Tevlin, SEPA Disaster Action Team Regional Program Lead
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