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

Days before, the American Red Cross began prepositioning supplies and mobilizing disaster-trained workers from around the country, including many volunteers from South 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 South Carolina began, the Red Cross has coordinated relief efforts with partners across the state. The Red Cross and partners provided over 340 overnight stays for people seeking refuge from the storm. The Red Cross also distributed relief supplies in communities hard-hit by the storm including snacks, water, over 4,000 meals, more than 1,000 cleanup supplies and other resources to help families start recovering after the storm’s destruction.

Red Crossers also provided basic health services and assistance to replace items such as eyeglasses and prescription medications. Additionally, volunteers have completed residential assessments in affected communities to better understand what families may need in the days and weeks ahead.

The Red Cross plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover after a disaster. The Red Cross remains in contact with local officials across the impacted areas to evaluate the needs of residents. 

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.