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American Red Cross assisting 14 families displaced by weekend storms

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Tue, Nov 17th 2020 09:10 am

Volunteers providing support for a total of 33 people

Volunteers from the Western New York Chapter of the American Red Cross are providing immediate emergency assistance for a total of 33 people from 14 families displaced by wind damage and lakeshore flooding. The impacted areas include neighborhoods in the Chautauqua County community of Bemus Point and the Town of Hamburg in Erie County. Disaster assessment teams are traversing the region to help determine the extent of damage and guide possible further responses. The Red Cross is working in partnership with emergency management officers and other local authorities.

Red Cross assistance typically includes funding for temporary housing, food and clothing as needed, and specially trained disaster mental health volunteers are available to help those affected deal with the emotional aspect of their disaster. Affected families will meet with caseworkers in the coming days to work on a long-term recovery plan.

Volunteers follow COVID-19 protocols, meeting with families virtually when possible to determine their needs. When in-person meetings are necessary, safety procedures including health screenings for all volunteers and affected individuals and practicing social distancing are implemented in order to safely provide comfort, hope and support.

People can help those affected by disasters such as storms, flooding and other crises by making a gift to Red Cross disaster relief. The gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS or text the word DISASTER to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to give blood or platelets to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. Those interested can go to redcrossblood.org for a schedule of blood drives and to make an appointment. Or, those looking to become a Red Cross volunteer can review positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or on Twitter at @RedCross.

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