It’s been three weeks since Hurricane Debby first made landfall in Florida, with bands of extreme weather also threatening Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. As Debby crossed into North Carolina, it brought with it heavy rain, tornadoes and the risk of flooding.

Days before, the American Red Cross began prepositioning supplies and mobilizing disaster-trained workers from around the country, including many volunteers from North Carolina, to help people impacted by the storm.

In coordination with community partners and local officials, the Red Cross was ready with boots on the ground to help meet local communities’ needs, including providing safe shelter, meals and emotional support.

RED CROSS RESPONSE Since our efforts in North Carolina began, the Red Cross has coordinated the relief efforts with partners across the state. Since Thursday night, the Red Cross and partners opened 14 emergency shelters and provided over 300 overnight stays for people seeking refuge from the storm. This support includes delivering nearly 5,500 relief supplies, cleanup kits and resources to families in North Carolina who are recovering from the storm’s destruction. It also includes working with partners to deliver more than 4,800 meals and snacks to those in need.

Red Crossers are also providing basic health services and helping to replace items such as eyeglasses and prescription medications. Additionally, volunteers are completing assessments of the residential damage in affected communities to better understand what help families may need in the days and weeks ahead.

While the current focus is on addressing the immediate needs of those affected, the Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster.

Find more information about Hurricane Debby here. 

People urgently need aid now. You can help by making a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Disasters are becoming more frequent and intense, which means that families are depending on Red Cross volunteers to provide comfort and support on a nearly continuous basis. Today, the organization is responding to twice as many major disasters as a decade ago. Our volunteers represent 90% of our workforce so to ensure we can be there for people in their darkest moments, we need more volunteers that are trained and ready to help. The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up for opportunities with your local chapter.