Evan Peterson

Hurricane Helene Resources 🌀 As the full scope of the damage left by Hurricane Helene becomes clear, here's what you need to know about Red Cross services and how to get help. If you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. • How is the Red Cross helping? Over 500 trained disaster workers are providing comfort and relief to those affected in the Southeast by Hurricane Helene, with hundreds more on their way. Once it is safe to do so, our teams will travel through affected communities to assess damage, provide meals, and distribute relief supplies. Right now, our priority is meeting the urgent needs of those affected by providing safe shelter, food, emotional support and health services. • How can I find a missing loved one? Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one. Note that there will be longer wait times due to increased call volume. Wellness checks are performed by your local emergency officials. Please contact their non-emergency number for assistance. Many areas remain inaccessible. If you need assistance, please consider coming to a shelter. You can find open shelters by visiting redcross.org or downloading the Red Cross Emergency app. • Does the Red Cross rescue stranded people? In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, we focus on providing safe shelter, food, emotional support and first aid. We do not have the expertise to provide search and rescue services. If you're in an emergency, please get to a safe place and dial 911 to connect with trained professionals who can help. • How can I get assistance? Please download the Red Cross Emergency app. Our resources are here to guide you through your recovery. If you’re unable to access the information you need, call 1-800-RED CROSS, but please keep in mind that you will experience longer wait times due to increased call volume after this disaster. • How can I stay updated? For information and updates on local Red Cross services, follow these accounts on social media: @RedCross_NC @RedCrossSC @GARedCross @RedCrossNFL @RedCrossCFL @RedCrossTN • How can I help? There are three things you can do right now to help people affected: • Make a financial donation to ensure people receive the help they need and don’t face this difficult time alone: rdcrss.org/3Bmmwyp • Schedule an appointment to donate blood and ensure lifesaving blood is available for hospital patients in need: rdcrss.org/4eKAhpf • Sign up to volunteer with us so that you can help people affected by disasters like Helene: rdcrss.org/4dnFeTF Helping people across the Southeast recover from this devastating situation is a team effort — no one entity can do this alone, and we’re working around the clock with partners to ensure people's immediate needs are being met.

Hundreds of trained disaster responders from across the country have been mobilized — along with truckloads of relief supplies — to ensure help is available for people ahead of Hurricane Helene. Learn how we’re gearing up for the storm and how people can prepare for Helene’s arrival from Red Crosser Evan Peterson on @ABCNewsLive. ⬇️ #Helene

This is why you should take extreme heat seriously. ➡️ Extreme heat kills more people every year than any other weather event in the U.S. The climate crisis is causing heat waves to become more frequent, intense and longer lasting. Protect yourself and prevent heat-related illnesses and death by following these tips: - Verify that your air conditioning at home is working properly. - If your home is too hot, find a public place with air conditioning like a library to stay cool. - Check on loved ones and neighbors who may live alone and don’t have air conditioning.

9-year-old Maddy has a heart of gold! 💛 After hearing stories about people affected by disasters from her dad, who works for the Red Cross, she decided to donate her stuffed animals to kids in need. When her dad asked her if she was sure, Maddy said, “It doesn't seem fair for me to have all of these when others have none.” Maddy donated the stuffed animals the next day and went to school to encourage her classmates to do the same. She hopes to hold a stuffed animal drive with her class soon.

For the love of apps, we've gotta know! Which Red Cross app do you have downloaded to your phone right now? ✨ Bonus points if you have more than one!

We need volunteers to help us care for people affected by disasters as the climate crisis leads to more frequent and intense weather events. Learn ways you can get involved: rdcrss.org/3w5R7xD

Our volunteers help people during their darkest hours and make up 90% of our workforce. 🥹 Take this as your sign to join us and volunteer. ⬇️

Civilians, medical workers, health facilities and aid workers must be protected. Since the conflict began, staff and volunteers from Magen David Adom in Israel, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the @ICRC have tragically lost their lives while helping civilians amid hostilities. We stand firmly with the global Red Cross Movement in calling for our teams to be protected so they can continue their work.

Blood donation is a gift that doesn't cost a thing and can give hope for another holiday to patients in need. We’ve teamed up with @PrimeVideo in celebration of #CandyCaneLaneMovie to make wishes come true this holiday season. Come give blood through Dec. 31 for a chance at a prize package with a $1K @Amazon.com Gift Card and 65" Amazon Fire TV! ➡️ rdcrss.org/48qhix0 (T&C; other entry)