Red Cross Prepares Rain Plan

Date:	September 6, 2011
Contact:	Cameron Ballantyne 214.558.7268 (For Media Only) American Red Cross 1540 West Park Avenue Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 www.redcross.org

TINTON FALLS N.J., Sept. 6, 2011 — With flood watches or warnings in most of New Jersey, Red Cross is preparing its volunteers and supplies for its foul weather plan.

As Red Cross continues working to return people to their homes, its progress is being jeopardized by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, which is pushing moisture north into New Jersey.

“Red Cross has worked extremely hard to get people back home, but we’re facing some unique challenges,” said Scott Underwood, job director for Red Cross recovery efforts in New Jersey. “We’re concerned as people prepare to return back home, they’ll find additional problems like mold or electrical issues. We’re also worried that rain will either prevent or push back local recovery efforts.”

Should Red Cross need to open shelters, it’s ready. It’s currently prepositioning volunteers, emergency response vehicles and shelter supplies like cots and blankets if needed. It’s also prepared to house at least another 2,000 people if flooding returns.

“This is a plan we hope we don’t have to use, but the reality is we must be prepared,” Underwood said.

Meanwhile, Red Cross is advancing with its traditional recovery plan and is working to return lives back to normal. Most power has been restored, but pockets remain without. Red Cross is handing out clean-up kits to neighborhoods, which enable most homes to be returned to a livable status. Red Cross is also working with its disaster partners and referring people to other organizations like FEMA to help with long-term recovery plans should their homes be uninhabitable.

Because the timeline for the recovery process is unknown, Red Cross wants the community to know how it can help. You can support the American Red Cross by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. You can also double the number of people you’ll help thanks to a matching gift made by New Jersey Natural Gas for up to $25,000. Simply visit www.jerseycoast-redcross.org to take advantage of New Jersey Natural Gas’ matching donation.

“While we’re proud of how far New Jersey residents have come so far, they still face very real challenges ahead,” Underwood said. “This disaster is far from over, and rain in the forecast isn’t helping.”

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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