RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Disaster Response

  • Red Cross still helping hundreds two weeks after Ida

    by Dave Skutnik

    West Chester residents whose homes were flooded by Ida pick up flood clean up kits from the Red Cross in Chester County last week. Photo by Donn Greenberg

    The American Red Cross continues to work around the clock to provide help to people in our region after Hurricane Ida brought devastating flooding and tornadoes two weeks ago.

    More than 160 Red Cross disaster workers have been working locally on the relief effort here in Southeastern Pennsylvania so far. Many of the volunteers are local, but some have come from across the country to lend a hand in our region. To date, they’ve served more than 3,500 meals and snacks and distributed more than 2,000 flood clean-up kits and other relief items.

    Last week, Red Cross disaster recovery caseworkers staffed multi-agency resource centers in Philadelphia as well as Chester and Montgomery counties. The resource centers brought community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At the sites, people learned about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives. Dozens of Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to provide casework, relief supplies and emotional support to those who are struggling. 

    A map of the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, showing where Red Cross damage assessment volunteers have found homes that were affected by Ida.

    Red Cross teams have also been working closely with national, state and local officials to help assess the damage left behind, and making plans for what support families may still need. Red Cross damage assessment teams have determined that more than 900 homes either have major damage or were destroyed in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. The Red Cross is providing recovery support for more than 750 storm survivors so far, and that number is expected to grow in the days and weeks ahead.

    Working with our partners, the Red Cross has been able to close the four shelters that were open in Southeastern Pennsylvania, placing residents into longer term housing solutions. But over the course of 13 days, the Red Cross did provide more than 250 overnight stays in shelters. 

    Bucks County resident Sheila Slifer at a Red Cross shelter in Quakertown on September 3. Photo by Dave Skutnik

    One of those shelter residents, 68-year-old Sheila Slifer of Perkasie, Bucks County, was evacuated from her home after chest-deep water filled her downstairs. She spent several nights at a Red Cross shelter. She’s grateful for the care and compassion of the Red Cross volunteers that were there with her.

    “They are very nice people who fed us well and kept us informed and updated on everything that was going on. I’m so appreciative,” she said. 

    People like Sheila are struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, reach out to your Red Cross relationship manager. People can also visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

  • Red Cross Continues to Support Residents Recovering from Flooding

    Red Cross Disaster Logistics workers unload supplies at the Philadelphia MARC on Sept. 10. Photo by Alana Mauger

    By Dave Skutnik

    The American Red Cross and our partners are continuing to work around the clock in Southeastern Pennsylvania to provide help after the devastating flooding and tornadoes caused by Hurricane Ida on September 1.

    Monday, the Red Cross was able to close the shelter that has been open for the past 10 days at Norristown High School. With the help of our partners, the eight remaining residents have transitioned into longer term housing as they continue to recover from this devastating storm. In total, the Red Cross provided 243 overnight stays in four shelters across the region.

    Red Cross disaster workers staffed a shelter at Norristown High School for 12 nights. The shelter closed on Monday. Photo by Elisabeth Von Baldas

    More than 150 Red Cross disaster workers from all over the country have been supporting the local relief efforts by operating emergency shelters, providing comfort, serving thousands of meals and snacks, distributing thousands of critical relief supplies, helping families plan their next steps and supporting those who are grieving loved ones.

    Last week, the Red Cross staff three resource centers in Philadelphia, Chester and Montgomery counties. There, more than 700 residents received disaster recovery support from the Red Cross.

    Over the weekend, FEMA announced that individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Southeastern Pennsylvania can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

    Families are still struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

    Red Cross disaster workers from across the country are supporting local relief efforts, including Steven Beck from Washington state and Mary Davis from Illinois, who have been surveying damage in the field. Photo by Alana Mauger

    Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. From September 1 – 12 in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, the Red Cross has:

    • Provided 243 overnight shelter stays
    • Served more than 3,400 meals and snacks with partners
    • Distributed more than 2,000 flood clean-up kits and other relief items
    • Helped more than 700 people with disaster recovery support.

  • Got mold? Clean it up safely after Ida

    Contents of a Red Cross clean-up kit. Disaster workers distributed more than 1,800 clean-up kits since Sept. 1. Photo by Larry Daly.

    By Alana Mauger

    Ida’s waters have receded, and people across our region are busy drying out their homes and belongings. Unfortunately, mold may still be lurking in damp areas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a helpful guide for evicting this unwelcomed guest. Below are some highlights.

    Get to know mold

    Believe it or not, mold spores are already in our homes, even without flooding. Like dust, there’s no way to eliminate all mold spores from the air. The spores only become a problem when they land on wet or damp objects and begin to grow. No moisture, no mold. Easy, right?

    Here’s the issue – after Ida, there IS moisture, which means there IS mold. And mold spores can gradually destroy the things they land on and cause allergic reactions in people and pets. Plus, mold can be both visible and hidden. You can often smell mold hiding in places like wallpaper, ceiling tiles and carpets even if you can’t see it.

    Safety first

    According to the EPA, it’s important to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. Before you clean, make a trip to a home improvement store to pick up the following:

    • N-95 respirator for every person in the house;
    • Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm made of natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile or PVC; and
    • Goggles without ventilation holes.

    It takes some elbow grease

    We have determined that, yes, we likely have mold, and we bought our PPE. Now what? If it’s a small area (the EPA suggests 10 square feet), it can be a DIY job. Here are some tips:

    • Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water (and dry completely);
    • Throw away absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles and carpet;
    • Don’t paint or caulk moldy surfaces;
    • Never touch mold or moldy objects with your bare hands.

    Know when to call for back up

    Not sure if you can clean up the mold yourself? For large areas with significant water damage, the EPA suggests consulting its guide on Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. If you choose to hire a contractor, make sure he or she has experience (with references) cleaning up mold. If you suspect you have mold in your HVAC system, stop running it immediately and consult EPA’s guide, Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? Finally, call a specialist if your mold or water damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water.

  • Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation After Ida Reaches 10 Days

    A Red Cross disaster relief trailer sits outside Norristown High School, where a shelter has been open since Sept. 1. Photo by Donn Greenberg.

    By Dave Skutnik

    The American Red Cross continues around the clock in Southeastern Pennsylvania to provide help and hope to people facing the difficult task of picking up the pieces after last week’s devastating flooding and tornadoes caused by Hurricane Ida.

    From September 1 – 9 in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties, the Red Cross has:

    • Provided 211 overnight shelter stays
    • Served more than 3,000 meals and snacks
    • Distributed nearly 2,000 flood clean-up kits and other relief items
    • Helped more than 550 people with disaster recovery support

    More than 150 Red Cross disaster workers from all over the country continue to work closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need. After staffing resource centers in Chester and Montgomery counties the past two days, the Red Cross is working with the City of Philadelphia to staff a resource center today and Saturday.

    Red Cross disaster workers continue to perform damage assessments in the field. Photo by Alana Mauger.

    Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing process, and it’s not always easy for survivors to find the help they need. A resource center brings community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At this site, people can learn about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives.

    The Philadelphia multi-agency resource center will be open at the Gustine Recreation Center, located at 4868 Ridge Avenue. Hours are 12 to 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. The Red Cross is offering recovery support, distributing relief supplies and providing emotional support to those in need.

    Red Cross clean-up kits will be available at the Philadelphia MARC on Sept. 10-11. Photo by Alana Mauger.

    The Red Cross also continues to operate a shelter at Norristown High School in Montgomery County. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come to the high school, located at 1900 Eagle Drive in Norristown.

    Families are still struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

  • Navigating the MARC: A next step in Ida recovery

    A Red Cross disaster worker meets with impacted residents at the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 8. Photo by Alana Mauger

    By Alana Mauger

    This week, the American Red Cross is participating in several MARCs – an acronym that has become very familiar for those individuals and families impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. A MARC – or a Multi-Agency Resource Center – is a one-stop shop for those in need of services to help them begin recovery.

    Chester County residents pick up Red Cross clean-up kits on Sept. 9 at the Chester County MARC. Photo by Donn Greenberg.

    The Red Cross participated in MARCs in Montgomery County at the Intermediate Unit in Norristown and in Chester County at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown on Sept. 8 and 9. The Red Cross will also participate in a MARC at the Gustine Recreation Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 and 11 (noon- 8 p.m.).    

    Red Cross disaster workers prepare to staff the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Elisabeth Von Baldas.

    But what really happens at a MARC? For the Red Cross, MARCs allow disaster workers to meet face-to-face (with masks, of course) with impacted residents to 1) open casework for those who qualify; 2) connect with Red Cross disaster workers in the field to conduct damage assessment on properties not yet surveyed; and 3) provide relief items like clean-up kits, snacks, water and toys for children. Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteers are also on hand to help residents replace medical items that may have been lost or damaged.

    Red Cross disaster worker Janice Thomas meets with a client at the Chester County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Dave Skutnik.

    In addition to the Red Cross, participating agencies have included the Salvation Army, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, ACLAMO, Victim Services of Montgomery County, PennDOT, Your Way Home, Community Connections, Veteran’s Affairs, CareerLink, Pennsylvania Insurance Commission, SEPTA, National Flood Insurance Program and county and local emergency management agencies, among others.

    Red Cross Southeastern PA CEO Guy Triano and Disaster External Relations Lead Janice Winston talk with Montgomery County Commissioners Dr. Val Arkoosh and Ken Lawrence Jr. at the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Alana Mauger.

  • Red Cross volunteer Steve Thomas leads small but mighty Disaster Logistics team

    Disaster Emergency Supplies Lead Larry Daly and Logistics Lead Steve Thomas distribute clean-up kits to impacted Lower Bucks County residents in July. Photo by Alana Mauger.

    By Alana Mauger

    When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross responds. And behind the scenes of every Red Cross operation is a small but mighty team of Red Cross logistics volunteers who help make it happen. For the past three years, volunteer Steve Thomas has led that team for the Southeastern Pennsylvania region.

    Steve thrives on the self-described “chaos” that comes with disaster mobilization.

    “First, we need to find out the requirements for the situation,” he explained. “For an evacuation center, we need general supplies, like snacks, water and comfort and clean-up kits. For a shelter, we need cots, blankets, pillows. Once we get the info, we figure out how to get the supplies where they need to be.”

    Sometimes, they need to be in many places at once. At the start of the Ida response, the Red Cross had multiple shelters and evacuation centers open at once, all of which needed initial set up and constant replenishment of resources. Since Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Red Cross provided 168 overnight shelter stays, distributed 750 relief items, like clean-up and comfort kits, and served 1,300 meals, snacks and bottles of water. Those numbers will increase dramatically with Multi-Agency Resource Centers being held in Chester and Montgomery counties on Sept. 8 and 9.

    But that moment’s-notice mobilization is only a fraction of the team’s work. Disaster logistics for the Red Cross includes eight components of supply processing: warehousing, in-kind donations, facilities, transportation, procurement, disaster technology and safety and asset protection. If that sounds like a lot of work, it is. Steve estimates that he volunteers an average of 20-30 hours per week (much more during major disaster response events like Ida). He’s quick to point out, however, that it’s not about him; logistics is a team effort.

    To that end, he’s looking to recruit new volunteers to be part of his team and is committed to finding more engaging activities for existing volunteers. Part of that engagement is supporting the Mass Care team during disasters, like Ida, and like the flooding and tornado responses in Lower Bucks County this summer. In fact, in addition to procuring the extraordinary number of supplies needed to assist residents, Steve and members of his team can be found in the field most days working alongside responders from every other Red Cross disaster area.

    “I wouldn’t ask others to do things I’m not willing to do. It’s how you lead people and how you learn every day,” he explained.

    Once the Ida response comes to a close, the Logistics team will continue working on its current projects – conducting preventative maintenance (PM) inspections on all Red Cross disaster vehicles, which includes several Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) and supply trailers staged throughout each Southeastern Pennsylvania County. The team is also responsible for working with school districts across the region to ensure they are prepared for a Nov. 31 evacuation drill conducted by Exelon’s Limerick Nuclear Generating Station. 

    Steve initially joined the Red Cross as a volunteer Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder. But it didn’t take long for everyone to see they had a talented, logistics-minded professional in their midst. He has an impressive 50-year career in all phases of maintenance and reliability management and is a recognized and published industry expert on organizational change.

    When he’s not working for the Red Cross, Steve is an avid bike rider and dog foster parent. He’s also looking forward to the publication of his 13th book in the field of organizational management.

    The Red Cross relies on generous and talented volunteers, like Steve, to carry out its mission every day. To learn more about volunteering, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

  • Red Cross Assistance Available at Resource Centers Starting Today

    Clean-up kits are among the items the Red Cross will provide at the Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in Montgomery and Chester counties this week. Photo by Alana Mauger

    By Dave Skutnik

    The American Red Cross continues to work day and night to provide help and hope to people facing the difficult task of picking up the pieces after last week’s devastating flooding and tornadoes.

    Red Cross teams continue to work closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need. Today and tomorrow, Red Cross disaster recovery caseworkers will be staffing two multi-agency resource centers in Chester and Montgomery counties.

    Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing process, and it’s not always easy for survivors to find the help they need. These resource centers will bring community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At these sites, people can learn about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives.

    The Montgomery County multi-agency resource center will be open at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit located at 2 W. Lafayette Street in Norristown. Hours are 12 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 9. The Red Cross plans to offer recovery assistance, distribute relief supplies and provide emotional support.

    These same services will be available at the Chester County multi-agency resource center, which will be open at the United Sports Training Center located at 1426 Marshallton Road in Downingtown. Hours are 12 to 7 p.m. both Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9.

    In addition, the Red Cross shelter at Norristown High School remains open in Montgomery County. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come to the high school, located at 1900 Eagle Drive in Norristown, Montgomery County. Tuesday night, 21 people stayed at the shelter.

    Since last Wednesday’s storm, the Red Cross has provided more than 180 overnight shelter stays in Southeastern Pennsylvania and served more than 1,300 meals and snacks to those in need. The Red Cross has also distributed some 750 relief supplies.

    Families are struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800- RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

  • Red Cross assesses damage, offers hope in Port Providence

    Red Cross disaster worker Jeff Moran delivers clean-up kits to residents of Port Providence on Saturday. Photos by Alana Mauger

    By Alana Mauger

    View from Melissa’s window Thursday morning. Photo courtesy of Melissa Hayes

    Melissa Hayes has lived in Port Providence, a small, picturesque community along the Schuylkill Canal at the Montgomery-Chester County border, since 2003. Her husband, Ian, has lived there since 1998. Neither were prepared for the deluge of rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida on Sept. 1.

    After Hurricane Floyd caused about two feet of flooding in the house in 1999, Ian began landscaping his large backyard to optimize drainage. Since then, the house, originally built in 1790, only got water in the basement during heavy rains and flooding. That changed with Ida.

    “We had more than six feet on the first floor,” Melissa said, showing the water and mud line near the top of the staircase leading to the second floor.

    Melissa chose to stay in the house with the couple’s three cats through the storm Wednesday night. She said she felt safe on her home’s second floor, even as her next-door neighbors were rescued by boat from their roof around 3 a.m.  

    Melissa Hayes points to the water line on the steps leading to the second floor of her house.

    Ian estimates the water rose 20 to 25 feet in the backyard, eventually flooding the basement and entire first floor.

    “This is going to keep happening,” he said. “Climate change is real.”

    As of Sunday afternoon, the small Port Providence community remained without power and water. Just outside Ian and Melissa’s home, Upper Providence Township Department of Emergency Management set up one of several charging stations, as well as a truck providing residents with non-potable water. A bank of portable toilets and a sink were positioned down the street. Generator-run flood lights sat throughout the neighborhood.

    Upper Providence Township provided charging stations, lights, non-potable water and portable toilets throughout the community.

    Neighbors were helping neighbors. In their driveway, Ian and Melissa offered food and supplies. They lent their water pump to the young couple who lives next door. People from nearby communities drove by, offering food, gas and other supplies.

    American Red Cross disaster workers Jeff and Eileen Moran walked the Port Providence community Saturday and Sunday surveying and documenting damage, distributing clean-up kits and offering hope to residents. They have a have a special connection to the waterfront community. The Moran’s used to live just down the river from Port Providence, and they, too, dealt with major flooding damage that prompted them to move several years ago.

    Red Cross disaster worker Eileen Moran conducts damage assessment in Port Providence on Saturday.

    “Thank you for being here,” Melissa told them. “We have a lot of support. We’re going to be okay.”

    Ian agrees but acknowledges that the threat of another major flood is too much.

    “We’re going to have to move. Leave all our friends,” he said. “I can’t do this again.”

  • Red Cross Recovery Assistance Available at Resource Centers This Week

    Red Cross disaster worker Steven Beck assesses flood damage in Montgomery County near the Perkiomen Trail on Monday. Photo by Alana Mauger

    by Dave Skutnik

    The American Red Cross continues to work day and night to provide help and hope to people facing the difficult task of picking up the pieces after last week’s devasting flooding and tornadoes.

    The Red Cross shelter at Norristown High School remains open in Montgomery County. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come to the high school, located at 1900 Eagle Drive in Norristown, Montgomery County.

    The Red Cross shelter at Norristown High School remains open for those who need it.

    Since last Wednesday’s storm, the Red Cross has provided more than 150 overnight shelter stays in Southeastern Pennsylvania and served more than 1,200 meals and snacks to those in need. Over the holiday weekend, more than 100 Red Cross disaster workers focused on providing safe shelter, food and comfort to people affected by the storm. The Red Cross has also distributed 700 relief supplies.

    Red Cross disaster workers assess damage in Chester County on Sunday. Photo by Jennifer Graham

    Red Cross teams also continue to work closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need in the coming days and weeks. This week, Red Cross disaster recovery caseworkers will be staffing two multi-agency resource centers in Chester and Montgomery counties.

    Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing process, and it’s not always easy for survivors to find the help they need. These resource centers will bring community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At these sites, people can learn about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives.

    The Montgomery County multi-agency resource center will be open at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit located at 2 W. Lafayette Street in Norristown. Hours will be 12 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 9. The Red Cross plans to offer recovery assistance, distribute relief supplies and provide emotional support.

    These same services will be available at the Chester County multi-agency resource center, which will be open at the United Sports Training Center located at 1426 Marshallton Road in Downingtown. Hours will be 12 to 7 p.m. both Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9.

    Clean-up kits, like those seen here, will be available at the Multi-Agency Resource Centers in Montgomery and Chester counties this week for residents who need them. Photo by Alana Mauger

    Families are struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800- RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

  • Red Cross volunteers survey damage and comfort residents of Coatesville communities hit hard by historic flooding

    By Judith Weeks

    Residents were rescued from the roof of this house after a harrowing night. Photos by Judith Weeks

    This weekend, the residents of Coatesville, Chester County, were cleaning up, removing belongings from their flooded homes. The sidewalks on Fifth and nearby streets were filled with wet clothing and muddy furniture. Workers were stripping the inside walls of their homes and piling beams and drywall into in large trash bins. A backhoe was scraping up the trash into a dumpster.

    Donald Folks, Coatesville Council Person Donald Folks describes the damage and community needs to Red Cross disaster worker Danelle Stoppel.

    This is the second time this summer this neighborhood has suffered from flooding – but not anything like last Wednesday. This neighborhood is at the bottom of one of the rolling hills of the town. Around it, the streets rise, creating a giant basin for flood water draining down the hills.

    Wednesday, water was rising so quickly, it was too late for many to evacuate. Some went to the roof of their homes, until the next morning when a boat of city first responders rescued them.

    Donald Folks, Coatesville Council Person, was busy contacting each person in the street to determine their needs.

    “They don’t want to lose their homes! Right now, they just need water and a hot shower.” Then he pointed to a nearby house. “The residents, stranded on the roof of this house, were recovered by boat! Many waded through the water, and even swam, to get to dry land.” Folks just shook his head, “This is an unprecedented event!”

    Resident Nicole Hudock describes basement damage to Red Cross disaster worker Corey Strandling.

    Red Cross volunteers Danelle Stoppel and Corey Stradling were comforting people, while assessing the extensive damage caused by the flood. The Salvation Army had set up a canteen, feeding the residents and workers.

    Up the hill, Nicole Hudock was standing in her yard, surrounded by boxes of wet clothing. Her home was at a higher level, but her basement was completely flooded, destroying water heater, washer and dryer, clothing and articles stored there.

    “I’ve never seen it this is bad,.” she said.

    She heard the warnings of the flash flooding and rushed home from her job, about 3 pm. Water was gushing out of the drain where her son’s car was parked.

    Flash flooding ripped off the porch of this house, throwing it into a nearby bush.

    “I went to the supermarket to grab a few things. By 6:30 the water was a river. I watched trashcans floating by! The basement was flooding; the firefighters came to shut off the gas,” she said.

    That night, neighbors collected at her house for safety.

    In the small community of Modena, flash flooding washed out the foundation of houses and apartments. A row of 12 apartments was declared unsafe and dangerous for habitation. The deck of one was ripped off the foundation and found broken in a nearby tree. Children’s bicycles and outdoor furniture were stacked against the building.

    After the storm, the Red Cross surveyed the damage – the apartments abandoned, and backyards peaceful with green grass and trees.

    This backyard is green with grass and trees. The mangled porch is a reminder of the flash flood.