Jersey Coast Red Cross Region Operates Shelters Providing Comfort for Those Affected by Winter Storms

TINTON FALLS, NJ - February 12, 2010 – The American Red Cross Jersey Coast Region - comprised of the Jersey Coast Chapter, Southern Regional, Salem and Gloucester County Chapters has been operating shelters around the clock providing relief to victims of the winter snow storm which hit the Jersey Shore on Friday, February 5th. The Jersey Coast Chapter located in Tinton Falls, NJ is one of 12 Disaster Hub Centers in the country and has been working 24 hours a day to ensure the victims of the storm that they will be given the basic necessities of food, shelter and medical care if needed, due to power outages and extreme weather conditions.

During the time the Disaster Operations Center has been in full operations mode, ten shelters were opened throughout Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The American Red Cross has helped 1,000 people; supplying 1,000 cots and blankets, as well as hygiene kits. With the help and support of 200 or more staff and volunteers, the Jersey Coast Region also is working in partnership with your local Office of Emergency Management Teams on this effort.

The Red Cross needs three critical resources to respond to this winter storm: time, money and blood. If you would like to help your neighbors impacted by the storms, please call your local Red Cross Chapter.

Individual preparedness is the key to effectively responding to a disaster. We urge everyone to Be Red Cross Ready for winter storms and other emergencies by getting a kit, making a plan and staying informed. Please contact the Jersey Coast Chapter at (732) 493-9100 or visit us at www.jerseycoast-redcross.org.


About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.