RED CROSS SERVICE CENTERS AND OUTREACH HELP PEOPLE IN NEED

New Hampshire Nor’easter Relief Operation
11 Stickney Avenue
Concord, NH 03301

Contact: Paul Shipman
Phone: (860) 250-4147
DR655-07CM-OS-MGR@usa.redcross.org

CONCORD, NH, April 22, 2007 – Please note the following American Red Cross Service Centers where individuals can go to receive Red Cross services, comfort kits including personal care items and clean up kits including mops, bleach, rubber gloves and other cleaning products.

• Concord Area Chapter
Concord Area Chapter Office, 2 Maitland Street, Concord
Belmont Branch of the Concord Area Chapter, Belknap Mall
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY HOURS:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Great Bay Chapter
Dover Baptist Church, 151 Washington Street, Dover
Newmarket Town Hall, 186 Main Street, Newmarket
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY HOURS:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Greater Manchester Chapter
1800 Elm Street, Manchester
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY HOURS:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Greater Nashua & Souhegan Valley Chapter
28 Concord Street, Nashua
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY HOURS:
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Merrimack Valley Chapter
177 Ward Hill Ave, Ward Hill, Massachusetts
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY HOURS:
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Red Cross is reaching out for contributions to help provide assistance to victims of flooding in the Northeast. People interested in making a financial contribution can do so by contacting their local Red Cross chapter or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Nor’easter that struck New Hampshire, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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RED CROSS REACHES OUT TO EPSOM FAMILY IN NEED OF HELP

Contacts: Paul Shipman

Phone: (860) 250-4147

DR655-07CM-OS-MGR@usa.redcross.org 

Louise St. Germain

Phone: (909) 961-8620

DR655-07CM-OS-SUP@usa.redcross.org

RED CROSS REACHES OUT TO EPSOM FAMILY IN NEED OF HELP
Neighbors Across New Hampshire Can Help by Donating to the American Red Cross

Editor’s Note: Dave Grandmont is available for interviews. Contact Paul Shipman or Louise St. Germain at (571) 226-8275.

CONCORD, NH, April 23, 2007 – On Sunday morning, Albert and Margaret Grandmont from Epsom, along the Suncook River, worried that flood waters were approaching fast. Although they were impacted by the Mother’s Day flood last year, they were able to clean up and move back home after only a couple of days. But by mid-afternoon, streets had been transformed into rivers and homes, once places of safety and comfort, became places of destruction. The water was moving closer to the front door and it was apparent that they could no longer stay in their home. After the devastating Nor’easter moved out of the area, four feet of water stood in the Grandmont’s home and they found themselves on cots at the Epsom Fire Department wondering what to do next.

With numerous health conditions, including a recent triple heart bypass as well as a hip replacement and tracheotomy, Albert Grandmont felt helpless. His wife, Margaret, along with local family members helped to salvage dishes and other sentimental things from the house. The American Red Cross reached out to the Grandmont family with the help of Dave, a maintenance supervisor at the Old State Highway garage on Stickney Avenue where the American Red Cross set up an operations center. The Red Cross determined the family’s needs and rushed to their side.

Red Cross volunteers visited the Grandmont’s home in Epsom and provided food, financial assistance for clothing, toiletries and other items as well as lodging. In addition, Red Cross volunteers visited with the family to discuss long term plans and worries about the future.

“On top of everything else with my father’s health, this has been very difficult for him,” said Dave Grandmont. “Red Cross volunteers have been great about reaching out to help my family during this very difficult time.”

In addition to the Grandmont family, numerous families along the Suncook River and Piscataquog River in the area have been affected by the devastating flood waters on Sunday, April 15. Families in Allenstown, Goffstown and Epsom as well as other townships are cleaning up and moving on with the assistance of local agencies as well as the American Red Cross.

All Red Cross assistance is free, made possible by the generosity of the American public, volunteers and by neighbors helping neighbors throughout the area. Trained disaster volunteers and employees have been working throughout the last week and a half providing food, beverages, medical and mental health care and financial assistance. Due to the extensive devastation created by this storm, the public’s help is needed. The Red Cross is reaching out for contributions to help provide assistance to victims of flooding in the Northeast. People interested in making a financial contribution can do so by contacting their local Red Cross chapter or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

###

Tuesday: Second Jersey Service Center to Open

New Jersey Disaster Relief HQ

209 Fairfield Rd.

Fairfield, NJ 07004

http://redcrossnoreaster.wordpress.com

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Public Affairs Desk

Office: (571) 226-8056

dr523-07cm@usa.redcross.org

Red Cross to Open a Second Service Center Tuesday

Flood impacted residents may receive help with their immediate relief needs

FAIRFIELD, NJ, April 22, 2007 – Flood impacted residents living in the Raritan River watershed may be eligible for disaster relief assistance from the American Red Cross. A service center will open on Tuesday, April 24 in Bound Brook to support clients who suffered home structural damage or total loss of clothing. Homeowners who suffered flood damage may also receive assistance for minor home repairs. The Red Cross service center will be staffed by caseworkers as well as healthcare and mental health teams. In addition to direct assistance, the Red Cross will refer qualified clients to additional community services for long-term recover assistance.

The Bound Brook service center is located in the Winemakers of Somerset building at 12 Church Street. The service center entrance is on John Street, close to the intersection with East Main Street. Beginning Tuesday, hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

The Bound Brook service center supplements a service center in West Patterson which opened on Monday. The West Paterson service center is located on the Fourth floor of the PNC Bank building at 1 Garrett Mountain Plaza. The Red Cross will be opening additional service centers and conducting other outreach activities in flood damaged communities of northern New Jersey in the coming days.

The Red Cross has activated its toll free information line.

Anyone with questions about flood relief is urged to call

1-866-GET-INFO.

Hearing impaired callers may call TDD 1-800-526-1417.

Current information on American Red Cross Disaster Relief operations in response to the New Jersey floods can be found on an Internet Blog at the following URL:

http://redcrossnoreaster.wordpress.com/

FAST FACTS April 22, 2007

To date, the American Red Cross in New Jersey has:

• Assisted the impacted communities with the immediate, emergency needs of families and individuals; immediate needs may include temporary housing and food, assistance replacing basic destroyed clothing, minor home repairs (for the homeowner) and emotional and medical support.

• Sheltered more than 3,100 people, providing safe places to sleep and nutritious meals for families and individuals who needed to evacuate their homes due to flood waters.

• Provided nearly 42,500 meals and snacks in shelters and through mobile feeding in impacted communities.

• Distributed more than 5,200 clean-up kits giving residents basic tools with which to begin cleaning their homes.

• Deployed more than 800 relief workers drawn from local chapters as well as from chapters across the country.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of flooding in New Jersey and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

-End-

AMERICAN RED CROSS “STORM AID” TELETHON

Contact:

Shawna Chigro-
Rogers

Director of Community Support

Phone: (207) 874-1192 ext.106

Rogerssha@usa.redcross.org

AMERICAN RED CROSS “STORM AID” TELETHON HOSTED BY WGME APRIL 23, 2007

On April 23, 2007, WGME will host an all day telethon to raise funds to support American Red Cross relief efforts throughout
Maine. Kicking off the event, key community partners including Unum and Wright Express will demonstrate exceptional goodwill by pledging $25,000 and $10,000, respectively. Additionally, Unum, Wright Express, and L.L. Bean have rallied enthusiastic support of employee volunteers who will assist with managing phone lines throughout the telethon.      

WHO:             American Red Cross of
Southern Maine – Suzanne McCormick, CEO                    WHAT:            Fundraising “Storm Aid” Telethon      

WHERE:         WGME,
Portland, ME

81 Northport Drive  
Portland, ME 
04103

 WHEN:          Monday, April 23, 2007
5:00am – 7:00pmMedia coverage is welcomed. However, due to the location, media check-in is required prior to this event. Please coordinate attendance through Shawna Chigro-Rogers at (207) 874-1192 ext.106, Rogerssha@usa.redcross.org or Kristina Smalley at x108, SmalleyK@usa.redcross.org.  All American Red Cross disaster assistance and services are free to those who need them.  The American Red Cross operates four chapters, serving citizens’ emergency needs throughout the entire state of
Maine.  We are not a government agency. Therefore, we do not receive federal funding, nor do we receive regular funding from the National American Red Cross organization.  Local disaster relief and other services are possible only through the hard work of volunteers and the generosity of our communities. To make a contribution, please call (207) 874-1192 or visit www.redcross.org.  

###

The American Red Cross in Maine Storm Relief

Contact:
 Shawna Chigro-
Rogers

     Director of Community Support

 Phone: (207) 874-1192 ext.106

Rogerssha@usa.redcross.org

The American Red Cross in Maine Storm Relief

Supporting Clean-Up as Floodwaters Recede

MAINE, April 18, 2007 – The American Red Cross has set up six national operations in flood damaged areas from Maine to New Jersey as Red Cross volunteers and staff offer immediate emergency assistance to the victims of this week’s record Nor’easter.  As early as Sunday evening, April 15, the four Maine American Red Cross chapters mobilized resources across Mid Coast, Central and Southern Maine to work collaboratively with state and local responders in offering shelter and meals to storm-impacted citizens.  Faced with the need to provide extensive community support, the Red Cross pooled the efforts of its twenty-five full and part time staff members, along with eighty-four dedicated volunteers, who contributed over 2,500 non-paid hours. Ensuring safe and comfortable accommodations, nine Red Cross shelters served over four hundred citizens across five counties in Mid Coast, Central and Southern Maine. Currently, three strategic Red Cross shelters remain open to serve twenty-five displaced families. Transitioning from response to recovery, we are now developing strategy to distribute home cleanup kits and provide financial aid at key service sites.  We are grateful for the wonderful outreach support offered by local responders, public media, and the United Way’s 2-1-1 network to help spread the word about this additional assistance.  We anticipate releasing service site information within the next twenty-four hours.  Additionally, the National office of the American Red Cross will initiate home damage assessments and coordinate extended lodging at local hotels for residents whose homes are unfit for occupancy due to mold or storm damage.   As in any disaster, financial support is a key element to the return to normalcy.  On Monday, April 23, WGME, Channel 13 in Portland, Maine will sponsor the American Red Cross Storm Aid telethon to help raise money for those impacted by the storm.  Financial gifts are greatly appreciated and can be made by calling (207) 874-1192, or by visiting www.redcross.org. KEY TIPS FOR HOME RE-ENTRY In conjunction with these ongoing relief efforts, your American Red Cross has prepared a list of simple but vital tips to help you and your family move towards a speedy recovery process.   “When you do return home, there are some ways to make sure it is as safe as possible. A few of our pointers can assist you in cleaning up, drying out and rebuilding your flood damaged home,” says Shawna Chigro-Rogers, Director of Community Support for the American Red Cross of Southern Maine. Checking Your Home:

• If you had to leave your home, return only when local authorities advise that it is safe to do so. Also, be sure to have photo identification available that shows your address, because sometimes local authorities will only permit people who own property in a disaster-affected area back into it.

• To make sure your residence is safe to enter, check with local authorities. Do not cut or walk past colored tape that was placed over doors or windows to mark damaged areas unless local authorities advise that it is safe to do so. If a building inspector has placed a color-coded sign on the home, do not enter it until you get more information, advice and instructions from local authorities.

• If you have children, leave them with a relative or friend while you conduct your first inspection of your home after the disaster. The site may be unsafe for children, and seeing the damage firsthand may upset them even more and cause long-term effects, including nightmares.

Once Inside:·         Check the floor for signs of sagging. Again, keep in mind that plywood and other flooring that was damaged by water could collapse under human weight. Avoid walking on sagging floors. If small sections of floors are sagging, place thick plywood panels or thick, strong boards on the floor to cover the damaged area. Be sure the wood extends at least 8–12 inches on each side of the sagging area.·         Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Some canned foods may be salvageable. If the cans are dented or damaged, throw them away. Food contaminated by flood waters can cause severe infections.  ·         If water is of questionable purity, check with health officials on whether to boil, add a tiny amount of bleach, or distill drinking water before using. Wells inundated by flood waters should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority. Ill health effects often occur when people drink water contaminated with bacteria and germs.  ·         Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse. ·         Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible.  Damaged sewage systems are health hazards. All
American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like [insert name], by making a financial gift to the
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster.  The American Red Cross honors donor intent.  If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.  Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.  -END-

 

Red Cross Serves Families Devastated by Recent Flooding;Governor Lynch Visits Red Cross Delivery Sites and Affected Families

New Hampshire Nor’easter Relief Operation

11 Stickney Avenue

Concord, NH 03301

Contact: Paul ShipmanPhone: (860) 250-4147

DR655-07CM-OS-MGR@usa.redcross.org 

ATTACHED: Photograph of  volunteers with Governor John Lynch, courtesy of the Concord Area Chapter.

 

Red Cross Serves Families Devastated by Recent Flooding;Governor Lynch Visits Red Cross Delivery Sites and Affected Families 

CONCORD, NH, April 22, 2007 – As the weather is steadily showing signs of spring, many families are still reeling from devastating flood waters which moved houses from foundations and created hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage last week. The American Red Cross continues to identify individuals and families needing financial assistance, food, and clean-up kits including mops, bleach and other cleaning products. The following statistics showcase the scope of the flood damage and exemplifies the American Red Cross commitment to providing people with free and ongoing disaster relief.  American Red Cross Nor’easter Disaster Response statistics to date:

• Meals served to date: 1298
• Snacks served to date: 2041
• Clean-up kits distributed: 477
• Red Cross Hotline calls: 350

The Red Cross is reaching out for contributions to help provide assistance to victims of flooding in the Northeast. People interested in making a financial contribution can do so by contacting their local Red Cross chapter or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. 

Attached: Photograph of New Hampshire Governor John Lynch with Red Cross volunteers in a local neighborhood affected by flooding.  (photo credit: Concord Area Chapter, American Red Cross) For more information on Red Cross statistics and/or information, please contact Paul Shipman at (860) 250-4147.  

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.  You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Nor’easter that struck New Hampshire, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster.  The American Red Cross honors donor intent.  If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.  Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).  Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross,

P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC
20013.  Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

###

 

Red Cross New Hampshire Response Effort — Fact Sheet

New Hampshire Nor’easter Relief Operation 11 Stickney Avenue Concord, NH 03301

Fact Sheet

Contact: Paul ShipmanPhone: (860) 250-4147DR655-07CM-OS-MGR@usa.redcross.org

Red Cross New Hampshire Response Effort 

• The Red Cross is entering the recovery phase of its work in
  New Hampshire. Service Centers have opened to assess client needs.  Mobile feeding operations are in place or planned in many flood-affected areas across
  New Hampshire.

• Red Cross Response Statistics (through April 21):
  • Chapter Hotline Calls: 350
  • Clean-up Kits Distributed (bleach, mops, rubber gloves, cleaning products): 477
  • Comfort Kits Distributed (toiletries and personal care items): 11
  • Meals Served to date: 1298
  • Snacks Served to date: 2041
  • Estimated Total Cases: 240

• Service center locations have been established throughout southeastern New Hampshire including the communities of Belmont, Concord, Fremont, Goffstown, Greenville, Milford,
  Peterborough, and Raymond.

• Several Chapters have established or are in the process of establishing mobile feeding routes, providing hot meals to people who are without food or the ability to safely store and cook food due to flood damage or power outages.

• Mobile feeding routes have been established in the following communities: Allenstown, Candia, Deerfield, Epsom, New Boston, Pelham, Pembroke, Raymond, and
  Salem.

• Affected Red Cross chapters are reaching out for contributions to help provide assistance to victims of flooding in the Northeast. People interested in making a financial contribution can do so by contacting their local chapter or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

• Chapter Contact Information:
  • 
    Concord Area Chapter:1-800-464-6692
  • Great
    Bay Chapter: 603-766-5440

  • Greater
    Manchester Chapter: 1-866-284-8842
  • Greater Nashua and Souhegan
    Valley Chapter: 603-889-6664

  • Merrimack
    Valley Chapter: 978-372-6871

  • Mount Washington
    Valley Chapter: 603-356-2726

  • 
    New Hampshire West Chapter: 603-352-3210

Stay Safe While Driving During Flooding Conditions

Stay Safe During Floods

Red Cross gives tips for driving, being outdoors during flooding  As springtime brings heavy rains, communities across the Northeast are prone to flooding. Last week’s storm serves as a reminder that floods are among the most frequent – and costly – natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. Flash floods can develop very quickly and the rapid accumulation can be extremely dangerous, especially when driving or walking outside. The American Red Cross urges you and your loved ones to remember these important tips to help stay safe this season. How to stay safe outdoors: 

• Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Climb to higher ground and stay there. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water. The depth of water is not always obvious. Dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc., can become filled with water.

·        Avoid walking through floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water; six inches of moving water can sweep most people off their feet.  Driving during a flood: 

• Avoid already flooded areas, and areas subject to sudden flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. Rapidly rising water may stall the engine, engulf the vehicle and its occupants, and sweep them away. Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

• Turn around. If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around and find another route. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. If your route is blocked by flood waters or barricades, find another route. Barricades are put up by local officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving around them can be a serious risk.

·        Abandon your car. If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water or the engine stalls, and if you can safely get out, abandon your vehicle immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles. When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water’s momentum is transferred to the car. Use caution when abandoning your vehicle, and look for an opportunity to move away quickly and safely to higher ground.  

For additional tips this season, visit www.redcross .org or contact your local chapter today.

– END –

Shelter From the Storm

 

Shelter from the Storm
Barbara Beigel, a staffer at the Bergen-Hudson Chapter of the American Red Cross worked throughout the early morning hours of April 15 helping to set up shelters and comfort communities displaced by the rising flood waters from the spring nor’easter storm. Financial development workers like Beigel may have an underserved reputation for being serious, humorless people. But once officially off the job for the Red Cross, Beigel transformed herself into Glitter the Clown.

“I came home this morning, put on my makeup, and called my friend Daisy D Dots and told her we had work to do,” beams Glitter with a red heart on her nose and bright baggy clothes. The two clowns belong to the Red Nose Response Team (www.rednoseresponse.org) that is partnering with the Red Cross to lift spirits during hard times.

“Of course the kids in the shelter love us,” chimes in Daisy D (for Dee-lightful) Dots, as she twists a balloon into a butterfly and delivers it into tiny eagerly reaching hands. “Our performances are for the adults too, just so they can take their mind off what happened for a little while. They’ve been through so much and have to stay strong for their kids. Clowning breaks the tension and helps them relax so they can make it through the next part.”

“They evacuated us at 3 A.M. from our houses,” says
Bergen shelter resident Felipe Rodrigez, who fled his home in the middle of the night with his three children and wife, Carolyn. “We were in the
Lodi shelter first, until the power went off. Then they moved us here,” he relates as his 15-month old son Noah squirms in his stroller. “Everyone at the Red Cross has treated us real nice.”

Entering this shelter, like any of the 35 others that have been open during the course of this powerful storm throughout the Northeast, is a surreal experience. Red Cross workers, CERT teams andBergen
Community College staff busily get meals ready, respond to residents needs for diapers and other supplies, and listen compassionately to the many dramatic stories. With waters still waist-high and in some places rising with the next high tide, officials won’t let many residents back home yet.

“I have talked to a lot of people who came here feeling concerned about their personal situations,” says Denise Andersen, Assistant Chapter Executive for Public Support of the Bergen-Hudson Chapter. “They’re glad to be warm and dry and safe—that’s the most important thing for them—to have a place to go where they feel safe.” 

“Here, children see that people care about them without even knowing them,” Daisy D Dots concludes. “It’s really great to be a part of that.”

Families, Businesses Picking Up Pieces Following Nor’easter Storm

 

 

 Families, Businesses Picking Up Pieces Following Nor’easter Storm

 

On this beautiful, sunny Sunday 20 miles north of Manhattan, it looks like a typical spring day in Hartsdale – families riding bicycles, kids playing catch and joggers shuffling to the rhythm of their iPods. But as you take a look around, it’s not business as usual. The devastating Nor’easter that swept through the Northeast part of the country last week left multiple towns without power, hundreds of businesses closed and thousands of families picking up the pieces of their lives washed away by floods.

 

For this restaurant in Hartsdale, NY, a generator helps power the clean-up efforts inside while the kitchen equipment dries out in the afternoon sun.

Photo credit: Tara Lynch

 

American Red Cross teams of relief workers remain in the communities, working with local partners to provide meals, safety information and a shoulder to lean on for those able to return home. “Long after the attention dies down and other breaking news fills the minds of the public, we’re here to help the thousands of people affected by this storm begin the recovery process,” notes Robert Imbornoni, a Red Cross Response Officer assigned to the relief effort. “This upcoming week is critical for all
New York residents across many counties, as individuals and families need to make sure they take care of their physical and mental health as well.”

 

 

Saturday afternoon, this Mamaroneck, NY house was evacuated by the local Fire Department after residents inside felt the entire structure shift heavily to one side.

Photo credit: Tara Lynch

Seven days since heavy rains and winds made their way up the East coast, roads and parkways in Westchester County remain closed; young security guards watch over local businesses and banks attempting to air out their storefronts and, for one street in Mamaroneck, the lingering effects of flooding showed their strength when two buildings were evacuated yesterday due to significant foundation damage that shifted the brick homes.  A Red Cross mobile feeding truck (ERV) travels into neighborhoods each day, and volunteers helping with the relief effort make sure residents take a break from their clean-up efforts for some water, food and emotional support. Yesterday, an ERV driver crouched down to offer a young boy in thevillage of Rye a snack from the truck. That boy’s father, watching as his son puts the finishing touches on his lemonade stand, politely declines the offer but explains why. They’re giving back to those who have helped, offering free lemonade to the first responders and clean-up crews who continue to help their neighborhood return to some sort of normalcy.

American Red Cross shelters remain open in various areas, and some working on the state-wide relief effort indicate a potential increase in feeding and sheltering needs as partner agencies finalize their damage assessments.  “Our dedicated relief workers will continue to provide vital services across
New York state to make sure these communities build back better,” says Imbornoni. “It’s been a true testament of neighbors helping neighbors here.”

 

This local Mamaroneck business proves the resiliency and spirit of the community

Photo credit: Tara Lynch 

For safety information following a flood and updates on the Nor’easter relief effort, visit www.RedCross.org or contact your local chapter today.