Red Cross Honors Survivors Of Hurricane Katrina

Two years ago, the gulf
region was overcome by a rapid series of storms that caused devastation
unlike any in this country's history. The American Red Cross quickly
responded to provide emergency assistance throughout the region. Today, the
Red Cross remains dedicated to the recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast
even as it responds to current emergency needs across the nation.



Hurricane Katrina left in its wake utter devastation and despair
throughout the gulf. America responded to this bleak vision with an
unprecedented outpouring of support and assistance. Thousands of volunteers
mobilized to support the largest domestic relief operation in the history
of the Red Cross. During the emergency phase of the response to hurricanes
Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the Red Cross provided 3.8 million overnight stays
in Red Cross shelters, served 68 million meals and snacks and provided
emergency assistance to nearly 1.4 million households.



"Our response to Katrina really was an important chapter in our
history," commented Mark W. Everson, President and CEO of the American Red
Cross. "Since our relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of the storm,
many of our disaster workers have actively supported the personal recovery
efforts of Katrina survivors. In fact, some of our Red Cross colleagues are
survivors themselves. Katrina reinforced for this entire organization the
importance of our role in our communities across the nation."



Individuals, families and communities are now focusing on recovery, but
it remains clear that the needs far outweigh the resources available from
the Red Cross and the entire non-profit sector. Through its Hurricane
Recovery Program and participation in the Coordinated Assistance Network,
the Red Cross continues to partner with local organizations to provide
survivors with the resources they need, including recovery planning,
emotional support and information referrals. With hope and dignity, these
survivors are rehabilitating their communities and moving forward with
their lives.



The progress in the region over the past two years is unmistakable.
Yet, the vision of closed schools and businesses, and residents living in
trailers outside their still uninhabitable homes persists. The Red Cross
encourages everyone to continue to support local Red Cross chapters and
other groups that continue to work in these communities. The 2005 storms
taught all of us that aggressive action is needed by families, communities
and groups such as the Red Cross. The Red Cross has gotten ready for the
next big event by tripling its warehouse space, increasing stockpiles of
food, cots, and blankets, increasing the number of kitchens and feeding
trucks, and positioning satellite communications equipment across the
nation. Individuals and families can get ready too by taking three simple
steps:


-- Get a Kit: Build a disaster supplies kit including water, non-
perishable food, radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both, a
first aid kit, and necessary medications. Store important family
documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a
portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.
Prepare supplies for pets and family members with specific needs.















-- Make a Plan: Make evacuation and communication plans. Plan ahead for
the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by
choosing an out-of-town contact that each family or household member
can call or email should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross
Safe and Well Web Site which can be reached through
redcross.


-- Be Informed: Talk to your family about the types of disasters that can
happen in your community. Follow the directions of emergency officials.



The American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their
neighbors for 125 years. Last year, victims of a record 72,883 disasters,
most of them fires, turned to the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000
employees of the Red Cross for help and hope. Through more than 800 locally
supported chapters, more than 15 million people each year gain the skills
they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes,
communities and world. Almost 4 million people give blood -- the gift of
life -- through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and
blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S.
service members separated from their families by military duty stay
connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement, a global network of more than 180 national societies, the Red
Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.
An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in
humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government
agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.


American Red Cross

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