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Local media contacts: Please contact your local chapter for additional public affairs information.

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As Gulf Coast Marks Hurricane Anniversary, Red Cross Keeps Relief Operation Going

Campaign for Disaster Relief being fueled by gifts from thousands of generous donors

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, October 1, 2008 – A mere month has passed since Hurricane Gustav made landfall in the United States. For Louisiana and Texas residents, the cleanup has started, but time hasn’t lessened the need for food, shelter and emotional support.

Although Ike’s aftermath has largely been overshadowed by economic and political news, and many have written off Gustav as a “near miss,” both of these storms were a direct hit for the people of the Gulf Coast. The Red Cross has been there every step of the way, providing a staggering number of services to people whose homes were damaged or destroyed; to thousands who stayed in shelters; and to countless numbers that received hot meals when they were left without power.

Shelters remain open in Louisiana and Texas in what will be a lengthy relief operation on the Gulf Coast. To date:

• More than 12 million meals and snacks have been served to those in need.
• There have been more than 384,000 overnight stays in 916 shelters across 17 states.
• Nearly 20,000 Red Cross workers have been on the ground to prepare for landfall and help in the aftermath.
• The Red Cross has distributed more than 100,000 comfort kits, which contain soap, toothpaste and other toiletries.
• The Red Cross has given out more than 100,000 clean-up kits, which include essentials such as disinfectant, mops and buckets.
• More than 80,000 people affected by Gustav and Ike have also turned to the Red Cross for mental and physical health services.

In order to offset this year’s record number of disasters-including widespread tornadoes, flooding in the Midwest, an early wildfire season and, most recently, Dolly, Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike-the Red Cross has launched the Campaign for Disaster Relief. To date, generous Americans have supported the campaign with more than $30 million donated or pledged toward the ultimate goal of $100 million.

Unless otherwise stated, the numbers reflect only the last 24 hours.

In Texas:

• Last night over 1,900 people sought refuge in 17 shelters.
• The Red Cross to date has served over 5.75 million meals and snacks to those affected by Hurricane Ike.
• More than 2,900 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers are on the ground to assist.
• 195 Emergency Response Vehicles are in state.

In Louisiana:

• More than 200 people were provided safe haven last night in 5 shelters.
• Nearly 900 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers are on the ground to assist.
• The Red Cross to date has served more than 4.82 million meals and snacks to those affected by Gustav and Ike.
• More than 40 Emergency Response Vehicles are in state.

Totals for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike to date:

• There have been more than 382,000 overnight shelter stays.
• More than 11.86 million meals and snacks have been served in 17 states, including the host states for evacuations.
• Nearly 20,000 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers have helped on the ground.
• More than 208,000 clean-up kits and comfort kits have been distributed.

Little Tyler Peters gives a big hug to American Red Cross volunteer Rick Kolb. The Peters’ family home was damaged by both Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Rick lives in Bridgeport, OH and has been with the Red Cross for three years. He has also been a volunteer fireman, EMT and paramedic for the past 32 years.

Unless otherwise stated, the numbers reflect only the last 24 hours.

In Texas:

• Last night over 2,350 people sought refuge in 23 shelters.
• The Red Cross to date has served over 5.49 million meals and snacks to those affected by Hurricane Ike.
• More than 2,900 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers are on the ground to assist.
• 196 Emergency Response Vehicles are in state.

In Louisiana:

• More than 210 people were provided safe haven last night in 5 shelters.
• Over 1,130 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers are on the ground to assist.
• The Red Cross to date has served more than 3.46 million meals and snacks to those affected by Gustav and Ike.
• More than 40 Emergency Response Vehicles are in state.

Totals for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike to date:

• There have been more than 379,000 overnight shelter stays.
• More than 10.42 million meals and snacks have been served in 17 states, including the host states for evacuations.
• Nearly 20,000 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers have helped on the ground.
• More than 206,000 clean-up kits and comfort kits have been distributed.

Unless otherwise stated, the numbers reflect only the last 24 hours.

In Texas:

• Last night over 2,500 people sought refuge in 26 shelters.
• The Red Cross to date has served more than 4.15 million meals and snacks to those affected by Hurricane Ike.
• More than 3,000 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers are on the ground to assist.
• 198 Emergency Response Vehicles are in state.

In Louisiana:

• More than 330 people were provided safe haven last night in 6 shelters.
• Over 1,200 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers are on the ground to assist.
• The Red Cross to date has served more than 3.36 million meals and snacks to those affected by Gustav and Ike.
• More than 90 Emergency Response Vehicles are in state.

Totals for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike to date:

• There have been more than 370,000 overnight shelter stays.
• More than 8.77 million meals and snacks have been served.
• Nearly 20,000 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers have helped on the ground.
• More than 190,000 clean-up kits and comfort kits have been distributed.

Massive Relief Effort Continues Two Weeks after Ike Landfall

WASHINGTON, Friday, September 26, 2008 – Even as the country gets a respite from what has been a very active hurricane season, the American Red Cross is now in the middle of a large and lengthy relief operation on the Gulf Coast. As much as $70 million could be spent on the relief operation for Hurricane Gustav alone, and costs for Ike could easily surpass that amount.

Storms that dissipated months or just weeks ago, most notably Gustav and Ike, have left lasting effects. Although Gustav did not hit New Orleans directly, as was originally feared, it remained a strong storm that did not spare the region. Ike caused even further upheaval in Texas. The focus of the Red Cross is now on providing food, shelter and counseling, and distributing needed items to those affected.

The relief operations for Gustav and Ike have been-and continue to be-a huge undertaking. The Red Cross is providing numerous critical services for those affected by the hurricanes:

• More than eight million meals and snacks have been served to those in need.
• There have been more than 370,000 overnight stays in 916 shelters.
• More than 19,000 Red Cross workers have been on the ground to prepare for landfall and then help in the aftermath.
• The Red Cross has distributed nearly 100,000 comfort kits, which contain soap, toothpaste and other toiletries.
• The Red Cross has given out more than 90,000 clean-up kits, which include essentials such as disinfectant, mops and buckets.
• More than 75,000 people affected by Gustav and Ike have also turned to the Red Cross for mental and physical health services.

In a record year for disasters, the Red Cross continues to provide services to victims even as its Disaster Relief Fund remains largely depleted.