SOUTH CAROLINA (October 1, 2022) – American Red Cross of South Carolina disaster-trained volunteers are helping people after Hurricane Ian and severe storms that ripped through South Carolina.
“As our volunteers focus on the needs of Hurricane Ian and its impact on South Carolina, we’ll continue to assess what families need here as the damages appear to be widespread in isolated locations,” said
Rod Tolbert, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of South Carolina. “At the same time as part of a national organization, we will be leaning forward to
make sure we can deploy volunteers and additional resources to help Florida with the catastrophic impacts there.”
The Red Cross, along with its partners, is working to identify areas that were impacted and those that will need assistance. Local Red Cross volunteers are assisting people with urgent needs like food, lodging and recovery assistance.
Remnants of the hurricane left a path of destruction, including power outages across the state. If you have been affected by power outages, consider these tips to keep your family safe once power has been restored:
Keep away from power lines. Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they are touching. Call 911 and let them know.
Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Don’t go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.
When in doubt, throw it out. If food is 40 degrees F or warmer, especially dairy and meat, throw it out. Ask your provider about using refrigerated medicines.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors only in well ventilated areas at least 20 feet away from windows.
If you are in immediate need of help, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
HOW YOU CAN HELP
MAKE A DONATION We will be working side-by-side with our partners to help people in need for weeks and months to come. To help people affected by Hurricane Ian, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single donation matters. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
GIVE BLOOD Please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
VOLUNTEER If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday and get involved today.
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.