Red Cross Helping Across U.S. as Disasters Multiply

The American Red Cross is responding to multiple large disasters this summer with hundreds of disaster workers on the ground across the country, supporting people impacted by wildfires, storms and other disasters.

These devastating emergencies — many worsened by the climate crisis — are disrupting lives and entire communities as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather rapidly increases across the globe. Learn more about how the climate crisis is impacting disasters here.  

As Hurricane Idalia heads toward Florida and tragic wildfires affect people’s lives in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, the Red Cross is also helping home fire victims while responding to these larger disasters.

In total, more than 1,500 disaster workers are manning 26 relief operations across the country, with almost 50 shelters open to support more than 5,100 people forced from their homes by disasters.

Following is a summary of how the Red Cross is helping people impacted by these disasters:

DANGEROUS STORMS In recent weeks, Tropical Storm Harold hit Texas and Tropical Storm Hilary made a very unusual landfall in several western states. Now Idalia is headed toward Florida as a possible major hurricane with dangerous winds and life-threatening storm surge. The Red Cross has pre-positioned disaster teams and supplies to support communities who may be impacted by the storm and is working with local and state officials as we prepare to respond.

MAUI WILDFIRES The Red Cross is working tirelessly to deliver care and support to people on Maui following the heartbreaking wildfires —and we will be there in the months ahead to support people throughout the healing and recovery process. Recovering from wildfires of this magnitude will take time and the Red Cross is committed to ensuring that no one is left to take those steps alone.

We are coordinating with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and FEMA to care for displaced residents in hotels. This temporary solution will give families and individuals a comfortable and safe place to stay near their community while longer-term plans are developed. The Red Cross is supporting these families and individuals throughout their hotel stays with meals, casework and emotional support. To inquire about hotel emergency lodging, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Red Cross teams are also supporting a Family Assistance Center on Maui, helping with requests to assist in locating people, supporting damage assessment and providing financial assistance to help with essentials like food, medications, transportation, replacement of durable medical equipment, clothing and other unmet needs.

WILDFIRES In addition to helping people on Maui, Red Cross disaster workers are supporting people impacted by wildfires across several states, including Washington, Oregon and Montana.

In Montana, 11 fires have burned almost 58,000 acres. Oregon’s eight wildfires have claimed almost 90,000 acres, and Washington’s seven fires have charred more than 35,700 acres. In all of these states, the fires have led to evacuation orders, forcing thousands of people out of their homes. Red Cross disaster teams have responded to these fires, opening shelters and providing food and other relief support.

YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like fires, storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

You can also help by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Find out more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.

GIVE BLOOD Severe weather can cause widespread power outages, travel hazards and flooding, resulting in blood drive cancellations inhibiting the ability of the Red Cross to collect lifesaving blood donations. We urge people in unaffected areas of the country to make an appointment to give blood to ensure blood products are readily available for patients in need. Find a blood drive near you by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor app or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).