As power has been restored across the state and residents have returned home, American Red Cross disaster response activities are winding down. All Red Cross emergency shelters and cooling centers have been closed and feeding routes have been suspended. At the same time the current effort wraps up, the Red Cross is urging residents to plan for future natural disasters.
“The American Red Cross would like to thank all community, county and state partners for their commitment to ensuring the safety of our residents and for the cooperation shown as agencies and organizations collaborated to meet the needs of thousands of individuals in the aftermath of the storm that ripped through Ohio on Friday, June 29,” Lynn Cook, American Red Cross spokesperson, said.
“The Red Cross encourages all citizens to take steps now to prepare for the next emergency,” commented Cook. “Develop a disaster plan for your family and consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer so that you can help your neighbors the next time severe weather hits.”
You can find information on how to help your family and business prepare for disasters at the Red Cross website by clicking here.
If you would like to become a volunteer with the American Red Cross, contact the Marion County Chapter at 740-725-9141 for more information and to learn what it means to be an American Red Cross volunteer.
Ohio Response Facts
- Emergency shelters – 29
- Shelter residents – 681
- Shelter overnight stays – 1,158
- Cooling centers – 22
- Fixed feeding sites – 11
- Meals served – 15,344
- Snacks served – 26,059
- Comfort kits distributed – 110
- Red Cross volunteers & staff – 447
If you would like to help people affected by disasters like the recent severe storms, you can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), sending a check made payable to the American Red Cross to 1849 Summerset Dr., Marion, OH 43302, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
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