Red Cross disaster workers serving meals, distributing clean-up kits for flooded homes
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA, PA — American Red Cross disaster workers continue to help people that were hit by flooding and strong winds from Tropical Storm Isaias on Tuesday.
More than 300 people will spend tonight in several Red Cross shelters that are housing displaced families across Southeastern Pennsylvania. The majority of those affected are from Philadelphia and Delaware County, but there are pockets of damaged homes across the area. Pre-packaged meals and snacks are also being served at the shelters.
Anyone whose home is unlivable because of storm damage needs a safe place to stay tonight should call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Flood clean-up kits for homes will be available once again on Friday at two Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management locations. The first is at 78th and Mercury streets in the Eastwick section of the city and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The other is on Main Street in Manayunk at the Engine 12 firehouse.
Hurricane Isaias is just the latest storm in what’s already been a very busy hurricane season, and it’s expected to get worse. The Red Cross has a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts. Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in emergency hotel lodging when possible. If hotel stays aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce.
We need volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available.
In addition, if you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with an active, current and unencumbered license, the Red Cross needs your support. Volunteers are needed in shelters to help assess people’s health.
Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19 like illness among shelter residents may also be required. RNs supervise all clinical tasks.
More information on volunteering is available by visiting redcross.org/volunteertoday. Be sure to review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and the people we serve.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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