American Red Cross Reports on Last Year's Hurricane Season, Plans for Future Events

The American Red Cross would like to thank the individuals, communities and organizations who supported our relief efforts in so many ways after the devastating hurricanes nearly one year ago.   Millions of people were touched by America's generosity and numerous people came to our community for help and were impressed by the compassion they found in central Oklahoma.

Because of the support we received nationwide, more than 244,000 relief workers, many of whom were new volunteers, helped more than 1.4 million families - more than four million people - with emergency assistance. We also provided more than 68 million meals and snacks and sheltered hundreds of thousands in more than 1,400 shelters. More than 550,000 relief packages were distributed to affected communities.

Here in central Oklahoma, your American Red Cross helped in many ways. We worked with the United Way and partner agencies to open a service center which provided assistance to more than 1,500 families who came to our area after the storms.   We met their basic needs and ensured they had somewhere safe to stay and enough food to eat.   Along with our partners, we helped with the best plan of action when they decided their long-term living arrangements. We also sent 57 volunteers to the affected areas to help those communities cope and begin rebuilding.

To prepare for this year's hurricane season, we have more disaster relief supplies in more locations across the country as well as more community partnerships that will provide better services.   We have improved our disaster relief systems to be more efficient and effective.

Should a disaster strike our community, our residents can expect the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma to continue working closely with first responders and other local partners.   The Red Cross will be nearby in a safe place offering shelter, a warm meal and caring people ready to help.

The best way to make families, homes and communities safer is to be prepared before a disaster strikes.   Families should make an emergency plan and have a disaster supply kit ready. We encourage everyone to contact your local Red Cross by calling 228-9500 or visiting www.okc.redcross.org for more information on how to be better prepared.

The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma is a proud partner agency of the United Way.