Time to Respond

The forecast is rain free, and it will stay rain-free for days.  This is good news not only to us here in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, but it’s especially good news to those who saw recent flooding rains.

The American Red Cross began client casework today as preliminary damage assessment shows that nearly 2,000 homes have been affected by flooding in 20 counties in the Southeast.

Ron Kitchens, who lives in Austell, GA., returned earlier this week to find flood waters had lifted his one-story ranch off its brick-and-mortar foundation and floated it down the street.  The home now rests in the middle of the dead-end road.

Despite the fact that Kitchens and his wife can’t enter the house, they remain upbeat.

“We’re a lot luckier than some.  We got out alive,“ Kitchens said as he sifted through a Red Cross clean-up kit.  “You gotta keep living.  You gotta keep going.“

The Red Cross continues to provide shelter, food and mental health counseling and emotional support for residents throughout the affected areas. 

The Red Cross Disaster Call Center has fielded questions and requests for help from more than 2,000 people in our community.  Those who have been affected by the flooding who need help can call 404-870-4440.

Definitely puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? 

Well besides feeling fortunate, there are ways you can help.

1.  Donate to the Red Cross:  you can help people affected by disasters like the current floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.  Visit http://www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS

2.  Donate blood.  The need for blood is constant and the Southern Blood Services Region is committed to continuing to provide blood and blood products to those in need at all times.  Visit http://www.redcross.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to find a drive near you.

3.  Donate your time.  Sign up as a Red Cross volunteer.  Visit http://www.redcross.org.