Autum posted on August 30, 2011 08:37
Local Red Cross Volunteers Assist with Disaster Relief in Eastern NC
Wilmington, NC, August 30, 2011 — Two local Red Cross volunteers – Matt Allen of Hampstead and Chris Nienow of Carolina Beach – were sent to Wilson, NC on Monday to support disaster relief efforts in northeastern North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Both Allen and Nienow are trained to support response technology during disaster relief operations and were selected to accompany the mobile VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) stationed at the Cape Fear Chapter to American Red Cross disaster relief operation headquarters for North Carolina.
The VSAT is a satellite dish that powers communications (phones, internet, and network connectivity) during a disaster relief operation. This equipment enables the American Red Cross to set-up a fully function technology infrastructure during times of disaster. Nienow and Allen were prepared to support the Cape Fear area by using this equipment here in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, but it was not needed given the limited scope of damage and infrastructure disruption in our area. The two gentleman expect to be working on the relief operation supporting response technology for at least two weeks, which is the minimum length of assignment for disaster services personnel assigned to a relief effort outside of their home chapter’s jurisdiction.
With communities from North Carolina to New England suffering from significant flooding, wind damage and widespread power outages from Hurricane Irene, the American Red Cross is responding with shelter, food and other assistance.
In Irene’s wake, thousands of people have turned to the Red Cross for help, and Red Cross workers are responding. The Red Cross has more than 250 feeding vehicles—or more than two-thirds its entire fleet—ready to go into neighborhoods to provide hot meals. Every Red Cross feeding truck east of the Rocky Mountains has been mobilized for this relief effort.
The Red Cross is in need of both financial donations for the disaster operation and blood donations as numerous blood drives were cancelled due to the storms.
The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas that were not affected by this storm, and is also asking community members in affected areas to consider donating blood once it is safe to go out. If people want to schedule an appointment, they can go online at www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. Those who want to help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; people can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross, the Cape Fear Chapter at 1102 South 16th St., Wilmington, NC 28401 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
People and/or groups wishing to become Red Cross disaster volunteers can visit www.CapeFearRedCross.org to obtain additional information and complete a volunteer application.
About the American Red Cross:
You can help people affected by disasters like floods and tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross (the Cape Fear Chapter) or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. To learn more about the work of the American Red Cross in the U.S. and around the world, please visit redcross.org.
The Cape Fear Chapter, a chartered unit of the American Red Cross, provides vital programs and services to the residents of Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender counties in North Carolina. The Cape Fear Chapter was founded in 1908 and is the oldest Red Cross unit in the State of North Carolina.