SOUTH CAROLINA, August 10, 2023 – Six disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of South Carolina are deploying to support disaster relief operations in Hawaii where dangerous wildfires are burning on the Big Island and Maui in Hawaii, forcing thousands of people to evacuate, some even jumping into the ocean to escape the smoke and flames. The American Red Cross is there, providing shelter and comfort to those affected by the massive fires.
"I deploy whenever there is a need for people to be helped,” said Red Cross of South Carolina volunteer, Terry Barcelona, of Mauldin, who is deploying to Hawaii on Friday. “I feel like I am making a difference with the Red Cross.”
The fires are being fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora which is still hundreds of miles away. Buildings have been damaged, roads closed, thousands are without power, and phone and cell service are down, making communications extremely difficult. Much of the historic town of Lahaina is destroyed. Conditions are hampering some evacuations and hospitals are treating burn and smoke inhalation patients.
The American Red Cross working around the clock to help those affected. Trained Red Cross disaster workers responded immediately, opening shelters to provide refuge from the fires. Working with officials and partners, our teams are providing evacuees with a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support during this challenging time and preparing to expand relief efforts if needed. More help is on the way as disaster teams deploy from the other Hawaiian Islands and across the country.
The Red Cross of South Carolina stands ready to deploy more Disaster-Trained workers as needed.
YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like wildfires and countless other crises by making a gift to 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 (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER Every day, the American Red Cross sees the heartbreak of people trying to cope with more intense storms, heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes, and more devastating wildfires. As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater. This spring, consider volunteering with the American Red Cross in one of our urgently needed volunteer opportunities. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer
CLIMATE CRISIS The climate crisis is driving extreme weather conditions across the country with the ongoing flooding in the Northeast and extreme heat in the south as examples. Some experts say with the arrival of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean, the situation may get worse. As these extreme weather disasters increase, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC
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