A Product of Xenophon Strategies Monitoring Summary Prepared for The Salvation Army July 6, 2022 Top-Line Summary: The Salvation Army National Headquarters continued to coordinate with national media covering Hurricane Irene up and down the East Coast. The Army was listed on numerous other “How to Help” websites for Hurricane Irene. The White House Blog posted an entry by Craig Fugate that mentioned The Salvation Army’s efforts in Ludlow, Vermont. He mentioned that The Salvation Army was “doing great work in town.” Social Media Summary: The @SalvationArmyUS Twitter has earned 120 new followers since August 20. The total number of followers on Twitter now for @SalvationArmyUS is 6,362. There have been 1 message related to Hurricane Irene on the @SalvationArmyUS Twitter feed since yesterday. o #SalvationArmy provides for victims of #Flooding in Upstate #NewYork ow.ly/6hQdQ The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Irene response and preparation efforts have been mentioned on social media (blogs, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube) every 96 seconds since August 30. Between August 28 – August 29 Facebook earned: o 199 new likes o 289,927 post views a nearly 16% percent increase from the previous 2-day period Xenophon Strategies, Inc. 1625 Eye St. NW, Suite 610, Washington, DC 20006 202.289.4001 202.777.2030 (fax)
Transcript
A Product of Xenophon Strategies
Monitoring Summary
Prepared for The Salvation Army
May 9, 2023Top-Line Summary:
The Salvation Army National Headquarters continued to coordinate with national media covering Hurricane Irene up and down the East Coast.
The Army was listed on numerous other “How to Help” websites for Hurricane Irene.
The White House Blog posted an entry by Craig Fugate that mentioned The Salvation Army’s efforts in Ludlow, Vermont. He mentioned that The Salvation Army was “doing great work in town.”
Social Media Summary:
The @SalvationArmyUS Twitter has earned 120 new followers since August 20. The total number of followers on Twitter now for @SalvationArmyUS is 6,362.
There have been 1 message related to Hurricane Irene on the @SalvationArmyUS Twitter feed since yesterday.
o #SalvationArmy provides for victims of #Flooding in Upstate #NewYork ow.ly/6hQdQ
The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Irene response and preparation efforts have been mentioned on social media (blogs, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube) every 96 seconds since August 30.
Between August 28 – August 29 Facebook earned:o 199 new likeso 289,927 post views a nearly 16% percent increase from the previous 2-day
period
Highlight Print Coverage:
National
31 August 2011
Hurricane Irene: Ongoing Response and RecoveryBy Craig Fugate31 August 2011The White House Blog
Xenophon Strategies, Inc.1625 Eye St. NW, Suite 610, Washington, DC 20006
202.289.4001 202.777.2030 (fax)
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Leadership Lessons from Bloomberg, Christie, Katrina and Irene31 August 2011Forbes.com
Help for victims of Irene (UPDATED)By Natalie Angley30 August 2011CNN
Irene Death Toll Jumps to 40; Flood Warnings Still in EffectBy Audrey Barrick 30 august 2011The Christian Post
Hurricane Irene Aftermath: Christian Relief Groups in Full OperationBy Alex Murashko 29 August 2011The Christian Post
Your stories: Recovering from Irene29 August 2011BBC News
Help for victims of IreneBy Natalie Angley29 August 2011CNN
Salvation Army Moves in After Deadly Irene Leaves U.S.29 August 2011The Christian Post
Irene Brings in SuperHeroesBy R. Leigh Coleman 28 August 2011The Christian Post
Virginia fatality lifts Irene death toll to 13By Douglas Stanglin28 August 2011USA Today
Response begins as Irene moves onBy John Pape27 August 2011Disaster News Network
Evacuees hole up in schools, gyms, 5-star hotels27 August 2011The Associated Press
Irene churns up East Coast27 August 2011The Associated Press
2
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Hurricane Irene: How to helpBy Suzanne Choney27 August 2011MSNBC
Key House Republicans Express Concern Over FEMA Funding Amid Irene27 August 2011FOX News
Obama visits FEMA command center for update on Hurricane Irene as storm heads up East CoastBy Darlene Superville27 August 2011Associated Press
Hurricane Irene: How You Can Help27 August 2011Huffington Post
Eastern Seaboard braces for IreneBy John Pape26 August 2011Disaster News Network
PHOTO27 August 2011Gettysimage
Military support and families preparing for IreneBy Catherine Lash26 August 2011Examiner.com
Local
Irene: Donated dinners sustain Stockaders as they clean upBy Steven Cook1 September 2011Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)
Where to donate, how to help Irene's victims31 August 2011Times Union (Albany, New York)
Irene: Delaware County Clean UpBy Jenna Hanchard31 August 2011WBNG TV (Binghamton, New York)
Irene: Delaware County DevastationBy Jenna Hanchard31 August 2011WBNG TV (Binghamton, New York)
3
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Residents without power 'trying to be patient'By Kathryn Kennedy31 August 2011The Daily Reflector (Greenville, North Carolina)
Salvation Army transitions services after Hurricane IreneBy Cindy Clayton31 August 2011The Virginian-Pilot
Salvation Army sends Salem team to flood regionBy Mary Ann Greier30 August 2011Salem News
How you can help victims of Hurricane Irene30 August 2011Star-Ledger
Salvation Army reaches stranded residents on Outer Banks30 August 2011Hickory Daily Record (Greenville, North Carolina)
Monetary Donations Needed for Salvation Army Relief Efforts30 August 2011WVNS TV (Ghent, West Virginia)
IRENE: Food, water available for hurricane victims at Pamlico fire departments30 August 2011The Sun Journal (New Bern, North Carolina)
Irene leaves but Salvation Army staysBy Jackie Johnson30 August 2011Wisconsin Radio Network
Make Sure Your Donations Really Get to Hurricane Irene VictimsBy Sherri Lonon 30 August 2011New Tampa Patch
Learn how to help Hurricane Irene victims30 August 2011EllwoodCity.org
5 Ways to Help After IreneBy Kara Ohngren29 August 2011The Second Act
Salvation Army helps those effected by Hurricane Irene.By Merrily McAuliffe29 August 2011WVNS TV Ghent, (West Virginia)
4
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Perdue vows to pursue 'rapid recovery' from IreneBy Jim HoltMonday29 August 2011Rocky Mount Telegram
Recovery continues, cleanup in full gear29 August 2011The Daily Advance
Suffern residents return to mess29 August 2011Lohud.com
Perdue warns flooding is still a dangerous risk in Eastern N.C.By Bruce Siceloff and John Murawski29 August 2011Charlotte Observer
Hurricane Irene - How You Can Help29 August 2011WQAD.com
5 Things You Need to Know Today: Aug. 29By William Mansell29 August 2011Sarasota Patch
How You Can Help Hurricane Irene VictimsBy Sherri Lonon 29 August 2011New Tampa Patch
Flooding, downed trees and power outages hereBy Clayton Stairs29 August 2011Georgetown Times
How you can help those impacted by Hurricane IreneBy Kelly George28 August 2011Atlanta Examiner
How You Can Help Hurricane Irene VictimsBy Sherri Lonon28 August 2011Land o’Lakes Patch
Governor Perdue Assessing State's Response To Hurricane IreneBy Teresa Ostuni28 August 2011WFMY News
Hurricane Irene Evacuees Head to Holmdel High SchoolBy Christina Johnson 27 August 2011Middletown Patch
5
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Emergency Shelter Ready at Eastern TechBy Ron Snyder27 August 2011Dundalk Patch
Salvation Army sends aid to NC, Irene advances northBy Brooke Spivey27 August 2011WMBF TV (Horry County, South Carolina)
FEMA says ready to hit the ground as after Irene passesBy Todd Allen Wilson27 August 2011Dailypress.com
Central Florida ready to help victims of Hurricane IreneBy Margaret Kavanagh27 August 2011Cfnews13.com (Orlando, Florida)
Tranquility returns after Irene passes27 August 2011Georgetown Times (Georgetown County, South Carolina)
Irene draws near North Carolina coastBy Suzette Poter27 August 2011Tampa Bay Newspapers
Hurricane Irene: How Citizens Can HelpBy Paul Mallasch27 August 2011Muncie Free Press
Disaster response for Carolina coast being coordinated in DeKalbBy Mike Morris and John Spink 26 August 2011The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Salvation Army moving men's shelter as Irene approachesCindy Clayton26 August 2011McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
IRENE: Shelters welcome evacuees, their pets (Update)By Cheryl Burke26 August 2011Carteret Times (NC)
Area Salvation Army crews head to the coastBy Scott Sexton, Winston-Salem Journal, N.C. 26 August 2011McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
6
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Mississippians Help With Hurricane Relief26 August 2011WAPT 16 News
Local Groups Ready to Help with Irene Damage26 August 2011Wltx.com (Columbia, South Carolina)
Louisville ready to come to aid of Hurricane Irene victims26 August 2011Louisville Courier Journal
Triad Ready to Help with Irene Response26 August 2011MyFOX8.com
Salvation Army mobilizes for Irene relief By David Horn 26 August 2011North Carolina News Network
GOV. PERDUE URGES NORTH CAROLINIANS TO GET READY FOR HURRICANE IRENE THANKS PRESIDENT FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE26 August 2011States News Service
GOVERNOR CHRISTIE DISCUSSES POTENTIAL IMPACT OF HURRICANE IRENE AND DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY25 August 2011States News Service
Highlight Broadcast Coverage:
National:
31 August 2011
CNN en Espanol – U.S. Cable, 31 August 2011, 7:06 AM
CNN – U.S. Cable, 31 August 2011, 6:07 AM 30 August 2011
Hurricane Irene: Ongoing Response and RecoveryBy Craig Fugate31 August 2011The White House BlogArticle Link
Administrator Craig Fugate (right) goes over a map of Ludlow with Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin (center) and General Dick Harris, Brigadier General, Vermont National Guard in Ludlow, VT. They surveyed damages in the town following the inland flooding caused by Irene, August 30, 2011. (Photo from FEMA)
You may have heard media reports that the lead up to Irene was over-hyped and that we “dodged a bullet” – well I can tell you that while the impacts of Irene could have been much worse, there are many areas, especially in the Northeast that are still experiencing dangerous inland flooding and our state and local partners are still very much responding to this storm.
Yesterday, I visited Vermont and met with Governor Shumlin and his emergency management team, as well as Senator Sanders, Senator Leahy, Representative Welch and other local officials. Thanks to the New Hampshire National Guard, who is in Vermont helping with the flood response, we flew over some hard hit areas of the state to assess the damages, and ensure that the Governor had all the resources he needed to continue the response to the flooding that Irene has left in her wake.
We made a stop in the town of Ludlow, where the Assistant Fire Chief, who also serves as the towns Emergency Manager, showed us the damage the flash flooding had caused. While much of the water had receded, the damage has stayed behind. Getting around is still a bit of a struggle, six of the bridges around town where damaged or destroyed, but the Governor did let the town know that by yesterday evening, access to every town in Vermont would be restored (up until this point, some were only accessible by helicopter).
People often think of FEMA when it comes to disasters, but as I saw first hand in Vermont, the team was working together to respond at all levels – the federal family, state, tribal and local government, the faith-based and non-profit community, and especially the public, as neighbors across Vermont have reached out to help each other.
When we drove around Ludlow, not only did I see FEMA commodities (in this case water), being unloaded, but the towns emergency manager talked about the work that had been done to open transportation routes, and we went by a Salvation Army Emergency Response truck that was doing great work in town.
As I told the media, after we came back from Ludlow and I had time to sit down with the Governor and the Congressional delegation, we can’t work as separate entities, we all have to work together as one team – and we will be working together long after the national media leaves, to
ensure that the Governors in impacted states, not just in Vermont, but up and down the East Coast, have the support they need as they continue to respond and begin to recover from Irene.
Today I will be traveling to upstate New York and New Jersey to meet with state and local officials. Check back to the blog for more updates and information.
23
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Leadership Lessons from Bloomberg, Christie, Katrina and Irene31 August 2011Forbes.comArticle Link
I spent the night after Hurricane Irene hit helping out in the Red Cross shelter in Stamford, Connecticut. Six years ago, my sons and I spent a week with a group from our church helping out in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit. Talk about a tale of two cities! As everyone knows, New Orleans’ response was marked by its lack of coordination, supplies, direction, and commitment. What we saw this week was a clarity of purpose, strongly coordinated support, flexibility, confidence and commitment.
THE MICRO VIEW
At our shelter in Stamford this week, everyone helping out kept their eyes on the people in need. No one was worrying about whose job something was or was not. Everyone was worrying about how to make a very bad situation better for the people in need. As the Red Cross’s Charley Shimanski says, we were the best part of these people’s worst day.
The coordinated support was remarkable as well. At the shelter were a handful of volunteers from the Red Cross, a member of the Stamford department of health, a nurse and building maintenance. Throughout the very long, dark night we had periodic visits from fire and police staffs, offering a cheering smile and any support they could provide. Additionally, others’ support was entirely visible. The Salvation Army had prepared meals. Other organizations had dropped off supplies and equipment.
THE BROADER VIEW
We learn this lesson over and over again in crises, in disasters, in day-to-day events: preparation breeds confidence. A little over-preparation, a little over-communication, a little over-anticipation goes a long way.
I personally like the “How stupid would you feel” test. When faced with tough decisions, how stupid would you feel if you ordered a few too many people to evacuate and a couple of them were inconvenienced? How stupid would you feel if you ordered a few too few people to evacuate and they got into serious trouble. Mayor Bloomberg in NYC, Governor Christie in NJ, other governors up and down the East Coast applied this test early and often this past week and minimized the numbers seriously affected.
THE LEARNING VIEW
A lot went well this past week. And as one of the people who is still without power, I can tell you a lot could have gone better. Either way, there are some lessons that apply. Generally speaking, our leaders did a better job this week than six years ago during Hurricane Katrina in:
Preparing in AdvanceReacting to EventsBridging the Gaps
Those of you that have read my paper on “Leading through a Crisis – A 100-Hour Action Plan” will recognize those three ideas. Those of you that have not read it can either send me an email to request it at [email protected] or go through it in the appendices of the third edition of our book “The New Leader’s 100-Day Action Plan” when it comes out in October. The main points are:
1) Prepare in advance. The better you have anticipated possible scenarios, the more prepared you are, the more confidence you will have when crises strike. Homeland Security, FEMA, the Red Cross, state governors, mayors and others were better prepared this time around and it showed.
2) React to events. The reason you prepared is so that you all can react quickly and flexibly to the situation you face. Don’t over-think this. Do what you prepared to do. Local responders reacted well this time around, continually adjusting to the ever-evolving situations they faced.
3) Bridge the gaps. In a crisis, there is inevitably a gap between the desired and current state of affairs. Rectify that by bridging those gaps in the:
Situation: Implementing a response to the current crisis.Response: Improving capabilities to respond to future crises.Prevention: Reducing the risk of future crises happening in the first place.This is a good example of step one of The New Leader’s Playbook: Position Yourself for Success
There are several components of this including positioning yourself for a leadership role, selling before you buy, mapping and avoiding the most common land mines, uncovering hidden risks in the organization, role, and fit, and choosing the right approach for your transition type.
25
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
30 August 2011
Help for victims of Irene (UPDATED)By Natalie Angley30 August 2011CNNArticle Link
Residents are dealing with the aftermath of Irene -- a massive storm that pummeled the East Coast.
The storm left millions without power and caused dangerous flooding from North Carolina to New England.
Vermont is reeling from some of the worst flooding since 1927 with flood waters blocking roads and knocking homes from their foundations.
At least 41 deaths have been reported in eleven states.
Relief organizations are working to help victims in Irene's path. There are ways you can help.More than 8,500 people awoke Monday morning in Red Cross shelters up and down the East Coast.
"The storm may be over, but our work is far from done," said Gail McGovern, Red Cross president. "We expect this disaster relief operation to be a very large operation that will continue for several weeks."
In North Carolina, three kitchens are set up to serve around 30,000 meals each day. The Red Cross has arranged for an additional 1.3 million meals through various vendors in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and New York.
To donate to relief efforts, visit the website or text the word "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Salvation Army is helping millions who are still without power and thousands dealing with major inland flooding including New Jersey, New York and Vermont.
Crews in the Outer Banks of North Carolina have deployed to feed more than 2,400 people stranded on the barrier islands.
A canteen able to serve more than 500 people was brought into the flood-stricken town of Ludlow, Vermont to provide meals for emergency workers and survivors.
The organization has served close to 15,000 meals to first responders and evacuees in New Jersey and more than 60,000 meals, snacks and drinks to people from the Carolinas to Maryland.To make a donation, go online, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation. $10 will feed a disaster survivor for one day.
Samaritan's Purse teams are working in coastal North Carolina to help victims of Irene.
A Disaster Relief Unit has been set up in New Bern, North Carolina. Staff and volunteers began removing downed trees and assisting homeowners on Sunday afternoon.
Visit the website to make a donation or to sign up as a volunteer.
Teams from Operation Blessing International are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia clearing debris from homes and providing food to residents whose homes were flooded.
The group is accepting volunteers in teams of three or more people to help remove debris, repair homes and serve hot meals.
To volunteer, call the organization's office of National Volunteer Management at 1-757-226-3407 or e-mail [email protected].
Donations can be made on the website.
AmeriCares has reached out to clinics in several states to assess potential needs.
The group has medicines and supplies ready to be shipped to hard hit areas. Members of its emergency response team are prepared to deploy if needed.
Go online to support AmeriCares' hurricane relief efforts.
Islamic Relief USA dispatched two teams of volunteers and staff to two local shelters in New Jersey.
The group has distributed food, clothing and medicine to about 1,600 evacuees.
To help with relief efforts, visit the website.
World Vision's domestic emergency response team is preparing to deploy to areas hit hardest by Irene.
Field sites in New York, West Virginia and D.C. are preparing relief items like personal hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, water and clothing.
Irene Death Toll Jumps to 40; Flood Warnings Still in EffectBy Audrey Barrick 30 august 2011The Christian PostArticle Link
The death toll from Hurricane Irene has jumped to 40 as more people were pulled out of floodwaters, according to new reports.
Rev. Emily Heath paints a sign reading "We Are Praying for You" outside her church in Wilmington, Vermont August 29, 2011, a day after Hurricane Irene flooded the downtown, ruining many businesses.
The latest number is nearly double what was reported on Sunday, according to ABC News.
Millions of residents in 11 states were affected by Irene as it roared across the East Coast after making landfall in North Carolina Saturday morning. Though it arrived on the U.S. coast as a Category 1 storm, Irene still left billions of dollars in damage and dozens of people dead.
According to the National Weather Service, flooding continues in New England, New York and New Jersey due to heavy rainfall from Irene and most rivers have either crested or are expected to crest Tuesday.
Flash flood watches and warnings are still in effect.
For Vermont, Irene caused the state's worst flooding since the Great Flood of 1927.
Like us on Facebook
"When you see Vermont covered bridges washing down our rivers, those bridges have been there for hundreds of years, so they survived the floods of the 1928 and '30s. And what that means is that, frankly, we're experiencing flooding now in many areas of Vermont that is unprecedented in record keeping," Gov. Peter Shumlin said.
Among Vermont's victims was a young girl who was swept away by the Deerfield River.
U.S. officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate, are scheduled to travel to the worst-hit states – North Carolina, Virginia and Vermont – on Tuesday to assess the damage.
Meanwhile, disaster relief groups are already on the ground, providing meals and cleaning up what Irene left behind.
The Salvation Army is stationed up and down the East Coast, serving thousands of people a day through its canteens and mobile feeding units.
"[F]looding remains a problem, particularly in New England, and there is a significant response ongoing," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary in the U.S., in a statement Monday. "It is critical that we provide the base of support for damage assessment teams, rescue personnel and survivors to ensure everyone weathers the fallout from this storm safely."
Hurricane Irene Aftermath: Christian Relief Groups in Full OperationBy Alex Murashko 29 August 2011The Christian PostArticle Link
In the wake of Hurricane Irene’s damage to the U.S. East Coast and Canada, Christian disaster relief organizations began springing into action Sunday and are continuing efforts today.
Salvation Army volunteers Debbie Van Koppen and John Gallagher cook hotdogs for evacuees in North Carolina in response to Hurricane Irene. Their mobile kitchen prepared food for up to 300 people.
Irene, which began as a category 3 hurricane and turned into a flood-damaging tropical storm, left 21 people dead, disrupted power to 6 million homes and businesses, and caused billions-of-dollars-worth in damages before crossing into Canada late Sunday.
Relief organizations such as Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) first sent help to North Carolina where the hurricane landed and are now assessing other parts of the country, gathering reports to determine where they will send teams next.
Bill Adams, who is the director of CRWRC Disaster Response Services, told The Christian Post that the Michigan-based group is working with its church network within all the states affected by the storm damage to primarily help in the area of cleanup.
“The flooding is still happening, particularly as you go up New York State and into New England. Our role right now is to identify areas where we can be sending cleanup teams to start to help,” Adams said. “We started in North Carolina where we have communities there that we’ve worked with in the past years.”
CRWRC is a non-profit agency of the Christian Reformed Church in North America that ministers in development, relief, and justice education with people in need since 1962. More than likely, CRWRC will go into Canada as well to help with cleanup efforts, Adams said.
“We’re a bi-national group and we have been in southern Quebec before. They were badly flooded this spring. Now that this area has been hit again, we’re just waiting for the reports now, but we know the flooding is going to be bad there, too,” he said.
Operation Blessing International is beginning its Irene response by sticking to the group’s hometown area, Virginia Beach, Va., U.S. Disaster Relief Director Jody Herrington-Geddys told CP. Representatives went door-to-door today, offering help to those in need, she said.
“We are serving in the Hampton Roads area today,” Herrington-Geddys said. “The damage was very minimal. We went door-to-door today in the East Ocean View area of Norfolk checking on people. Our primary concern is to have the basic needs of the elderly, uninsured, and under insured taken care of.”
East Ocean View has been hit by flooding for the third time in two years. “This is a low income area with many people living pay check to pay check if they even have a pay check,” she said. “We have food bank in the area and gave extra food and some financial assistance to individuals today.”
“While everybody in the United States is giving a sigh of relief because it wasn’t as catastrophic as we thought, there are still people who are struggling,” Herrington-Geddys added. “Operation Blessing is making sure people whose property was damaged, and those who cannot afford to buy groceries are given the immediate needs of food, water, and debris cleanup.”
Operation Blessing International’s core programs include disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, orphan care, water wells and community development. The group is also assessing the coming needs of other U.S. areas affected by Irene, Herrington-Geddys said.
Salvation Army officials say damage assessment teams throughout North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware are still receiving significant requests for relief on a large scale after widespread power outages, downed power lines and trees, and flooding caused by Irene.
As of today, most of the Salvation Army's response is focused on feeding evacuees as well as fire, rescue, police and other emergency response personnel.
"The initial damage reports are leaving us cautiously optimistic that there has not been widespread structural damage or injuries," said Major George Hood, national community relations secretary in the U.S. "But flooding remains a problem, particularly in New England, and there is a significant response ongoing. It is critical that we provide the base of support for damage assessment teams, rescue personnel and survivors to ensure everyone weathers the fallout from this storm safely."
The Salvation Army is reporting today the numbers of meals and snacks already served in the East coast area:
About 15,000 meals to first responders and evacuees in New Jersey.
Nearly 14,000 meals, snacks and drinks have been served in Greenville, Washington, Elizabeth City and Morehead City in the Carolinas.
In Norfolk and Spotsylvania Counties, Va., more than 6,400 meals, snacks and drinks and provided lodging to 265 people have already been served.
More than 5,000 meals, snacks and drinks have been served at multiple shelter locations throughout Maryland and West Virginia.
In Connecticut, The Salvation Army has served hundreds of meals to evacuees at shelters as well as to first responders.
The Salvation Army is feeding at numerous shelter facilities throughout Massachusetts and other parts of New England.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865. In the United States, it has been supporting those in need for more than 130 years.
Samaritan’s Purse, which is led by Franklin Graham, was already prepared to help before Irene hit.
On Friday, two of the organization’s disaster relief units were ready to roll as soon as reports revealed the locations of storm damage. "These units are tractor-trailers that we have stocked full of emergency supplies and tools, and they will function on-site as our operations center for staff and volunteers," said disaster relief manager Tim Haas in a statement released before the storm hit.
When asked about FEMA’s response to the disaster and the ongoing debate of how funds are transferred from one relief effort to another, Adams said CRWRC has a great relationship with the government agency.
30
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
“Generally, FEMA does a much better job than the media gives them credit. We work with them every day. These are top rate people. Generally speaking they get a lot done,” Adams said. “As somebody who works with them on the ground, we have the highest respect for them.”
31
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Your stories: Recovering from Irene29 August 2011BBC NewsArticle Link
More than five million people in the US remain without power and 40 people have died as a result of Hurricane Irene - later downgraded to a tropical storm - crashing into the east coast.
Many residents have seen widespread flooding, some have lost thier homes and those who were evacuated have returned to a clean up operation to remove debris and make public areas safe.
BBC News website readers tell us how they are coping in the aftermath of Irene.
Jennifer Davis, Maryland
Jennifer Davis' son Wyatt helping clear fallen tree debrisThe hurricane started around 4pm and went on until 8am the next morning, so we all camped out in the living room for the night.
My husband and I did not sleep, we were concerned about tornados and trees crashing through our roof.
During the storm, our basement flooded and the roof started leaking.
One of our neighbours came over during the hurricane to help us stop the basement flooding. He and my husband had to go out in the wind and rain to fix the gutters. At one point the wind nearly blew him away.
Our power went out pretty early on, but we have a generator and I was able to access Twitter from my cellphone to get updates on the situation from the state government and other people in the area.
Our power is back on now, although a lot of people in the surrounding counties are still without electricity.
On the morning after, neighbours drove around checking on each other - the homes in our neighbourhood are spread out - each home is on four or more acres.
We have been working on cleaning up the debris on our property for the last two days.
In town telephone poles were knocked down and trees are blocking the streets.
School has been cancelled indefinitely and I expect it will take a week at least for normal operations to resume.
Major Willis Howell, Salvation Army, North and South Carolina
My wife and I must have fed 800 people in Kinston, North Carolina”
I'm the divisional commander for the Salvation Army in this area. We specialise in mobile kitchens and providing meals.
Our mobile canteens are self-contained and can serve up to 1500 meals a day for three days before they have to restock.
My wife and I must have fed 800 people in Kinston, North Carolina.
In one location there's a grocery store with no power so it can only keep produce for a certain amount of time. Once they can't keep it, they'll hand it over to us and we'll make meals from it.
The biggest common issue is the loss of electricity, but the state of North Carolina has been moving very quickly to restore power. Another problem is flooding and as you move West you start to see a lot more tree and structural damage.
People here also need ice to store food and keep it cold. Once the power comes back and people have ice, there might be more of a need for food and staples but also things like furniture.
We'll try to adapt as needs change, and as we move around the area we'll get a better idea of what those needs might be.
People are grateful even when our help is meagre.
Clear-up work on the boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach. Photo: Christine A SchellerThere are still lots of people without power around here and it's hard to get around, as the Garden State Parkway - one of the main roads in the area - still has some closures.
My friend in East Windsor has been told they will be without power until 4 September, and another friend only just got power back for the first time since Saturday.
I was lucky - and surprised - that I didn't lose power, we just had a couple of flickers.
My parents house is in an area that was under a mandatory evacuation order and their basement was still flooded this morning.
I followed advice about putting bottled water in the freezer so that it keeps your food cold”
The boardwalk here at Point Pleasant Beach seems to have survived fine, but the one down at Spring Lake beach, which is more popular with locals, didn't fare so well.
I had prepared for it a bit. I followed advice about putting bottled water in the freezer so that it keeps your food cold as well as giving you something to drink.
Locally the main concern about water is for the ocean as our beaches have a good reputation. They're testing the sea water now for contamination, the concern is that sewage plants may have overflowed. That could have an impact on the tourist trade.
Our governor told people to get off the beach on Friday, but now the lieutenant governor is trying to make a joke about it and is telling people to get back on the beach.
It is a big concern as Labor Day weekend is traditionally a big tourist weekend for the summer season, and while we complain about them, we do rely on the tourist trade for the money it brings in.
33
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
29 August 2011:
Help for victims of IreneBy Natalie Angley29 August 2011CNN Article Link
Residents are dealing with the aftermath of Irene -- a massive storm that pummeled the East Coast.
The storm left millions without power and caused dangerous flooding from North Carolina to New England.
Vermont is reeling from some of the worst flooding since 1927 with flood waters blocking roads and knocking homes from their foundations.
At least 24 deaths have been reported in nine states.
Relief organizations are working to help victims in Irene's path. There are ways you can help.More than 8,500 people awoke Monday morning in Red Cross shelters up and down the East Coast.
"Our main focus right now is providing people with a safe place to stay and food to eat," said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross.
The organization has relief operations in more than a dozen states and thousands of disaster workers helping people from North Carolina to New England.
To donate to relief efforts, visit the website or text the word "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Salvation Army is providing food, supplies and emotional care in 15 states from the Carolinas to Maine.
The organization has served close to 15,000 meals to first responders and evacuees in New Jersey and nearly 14,000 meals, snacks and drinks to people in the Carolinas.
Damage assessment teams throughout the East Coast are still receiving significant requests for mass care.
To make a donation, go online, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation. $10 will feed a disaster survivor for one day.
Samaritan's Purse teams are working in coastal North Carolina to help victims of Irene.
A Disaster Relief Unit has been set up in New Bern, North Carolina. Staff and volunteers began removing downed trees and assisting homeowners on Sunday afternoon.
Visit the website to make a donation or to sign up as a volunteer.
Teams from Operation Blessing International are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia clearing debris from homes and providing food to residents whose homes were flooded.
The group is accepting volunteers in teams of three or more people to help remove debris, repair homes and serve hot meals.
To volunteer, call the organization's office of National Volunteer Management at 1-757-226-3407 or e-mail [email protected].
Donations can be made on the website.
AmeriCares has reached out to clinics in several states to assess potential needs.The group has medicines and supplies ready to be shipped to hard hit areas. Members of its emergency response team are prepared to deploy if needed.
Go online to support AmeriCares' hurricane relief efforts.
Islamic Relief USA dispatched two teams of volunteers and staff to two local shelters in New Jersey.
The group has distributed food, clothing and medicine to about 1,600 evacuees.To help with relief efforts, visit the website.
World Vision's domestic emergency response team is preparing to deploy to areas hit hardest by Irene.
Field sites in New York, West Virginia and D.C. are preparing relief items like personal hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, water and clothing.
Salvation Army Moves in After Deadly Irene Leaves U.S.29 August 2011The Christian PostArticle Link
At least 21 people have been killed by the hurricane, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm.
Millions have been left without power and damage caused by the strong winds and widespread damage is estimated to be at least $8 billion.
As the storm now moves north toward Canada, around 300,000 people evacuated from low-lying regions in New York City have been given the green light to return home.
There is some flooding in the city but damage was less than expected.
Although the hurricane was downgraded, U.S. President Barack Obama warned Americans that there was still “serious risk” of power outages and flooding.
Like us on Facebook
“I want people to understand that this is not over. Response and recover efforts will be an ongoing operation and I urge Americans in affected areas to continue to listen for the guidance and direction of their state and local officials.”
The Salvation Army USA said it had moved personnel and vehicles into strategic locations ahead of the hurricane’s landfall.
Its mobile feeding units are being used to provide food and drink, as well as spiritual and emotional care to emergency responders and other people affected by the storm.
Major George Hood, national community relations secretary for The Salvation Army USA, said, “[We] are working closely with partner agencies to ensure we can provide a strong response to any impacts of the storm.”
The Salvation Army is already working to serve people affected by Hurricane Irene in Puerto Rico, providing support to the homeless, sick and disabled.
It has distributed food and water supplies in the Bahamas and provided ready-to-eat meals in the Turks and Caicos, which were also affected.
Irene Brings in SuperHeroesBy R. Leigh Coleman 28 August 2011The Christian PostArticle Link
Emergency officials say the recovery will be slow as damages from the widespread storm are already estimated at some $8 billion or more.
Irene continued to cause flooding, massive rainfall, and 50 mph winds along the Eastern Seaboard on Sunday.
The storm has caused unprecedented transit system closings for major cities, which will likely cause major problems for businesses on Monday morning and through the week.
In the midst of all of this bad news, residents along the East Coast and in other parts of the nation are already pulling together to bring relief to Irene’s victims.
Americans seem to flock to the aid of desperate people by fundraising, organizing, traveling to help clean up, administering whatever services are needed.
Like us on Facebook
There are already immediate signs of people assembling together to get aid to the hundreds of thousands of emotionally wounded, thirsty, hungry and homeless caused by the havoc Hurricane Irene left in its wake.
While most area churches along the Eastern Seaboard were forced to cancel Sunday services due to the hurricane, some religious leaders are thinking outside the box.
The Lacey United Methodist Church in New Jersey opened its doors on Sunday as a shelter to residents, Police Chief William Nally said.
The local church, which is working with the Red Cross, has an occupancy capacity of about 200 but they have no intention of turning people away.
“We’re just going to do the best we can for people who have no place to go,” George Icenhower said. Those who plan to find shelter at the Lacey United Methodist Church should bring bedding and food.
“We have food but every little bit helps,” Chip Marshall said. “We’ll have plenty of water. I’m sure we’ll be able to fill up buckets with the rain.”
Meanwhile, scores of American Red Cross workers are leaving Mississippi today for the East Coast to help residents as Irene moves on.
Monday will mark the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's devastating destruction on the Gulf Coast. Now, as Hurricane Irene drowns the East Coast, it has been tagged as the most destructive storm that has hit the area in 20 years.
The Red Cross learned a lot of lessons from Hurricane Katrina. Since 2005, the Red Cross has put itself in a position to be able to feed more than 70,000 families. Now, Mississippi's Red Cross chapter is springing to action on the East Coast.
"We have a total of five Mississippi Red Cross chapters who are now either positioned in response to Hurricane Irene or they're on their way," Tamica Jeuitt of Red Cross told MSNBC.
Mississippians know all too well what the East Coast is facing.
"Think back to everything that happened to us during Katrina," said Greg Flynn, of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. "If the storm the size of Irene were in the Gulf of Mexico, we could see that same kind of damage that we did in 2005."
The Red Cross recruits more than 170 volunteers to work at its booth at the Minnesota State Fair, but now with Hurricane Irene, some of those volunteers have been deployed to the East Coast to help with relief efforts.
Tennesseans are also making preparations to help victims of Irene. Volunteer Abby Dunn is one volunteer who is bound for Rhode Island.
"My heart is always with the people. I want to give them the help that the Red Cross can give them, but I want to encourage them for what they're going through, and I want to help them with what is ahead of them," Dunn told News Channel Five.
Other organizations are also prepared to help. The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief has already packed 1,000 food boxes headed for the East Coast.
"Right now the Lord only knows where we'll go. I don't," says Executive Director Joe Dudney.
Dudney says as soon as they get word on where there are victims, the boxes will be loaded up and shipped out.
"Some of the places we'll send ten loads so we just go wherever the need is," he said.
Each box is packed to keep a family of four going for at least a few days.
The Nashville Electric Service has 50 employees already in Baltimore, Md., ready to help restore lost power.
For those remaining behind and looking for a way to help, the Red Cross says now is the time to donate blood, specifically blood platelets. Officials say giving early ensures the donations can get to storm victims when they need it.
The Red Cross in Hattiesburg, Miss., is sending emergency supplies to all areas along the Eastern Seaboard.
"We're working with our partners in other states in South Carolina, in North Carolina, to support them in anyway that we can.,” said one volunteer.
The chapter has already sent two emergency response vehicles to North Carolina. About 80 mobile feeding units and trucks with communication technology are being deployed to highly impacted areas.
Bill Bradley, who heads a Asheville, N.C.-based relief organization, fears the need could be great with Hurricane Irene.
“Lord help us,” he said. “I think it’s going to be worse than other recent hurricanes.”
Bradley and a team planned to head east this weekend to figure out where help is most needed in what he anticipates will be one of the largest responses in the organization’s 20-year history.
38
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
"We will go into the affected areas and figure out where the best place is to set up logistically. There are a lot of things we have to look at to be able to set up in an area and make it functional.”
Bradley and other Hearts With Hands officials were already busy this week coordinating with volunteers and emergency officials along with area churches, companies and other organizations willing donate supplies and their time.
Phillip Hughes, a longtime volunteer with the agency, drove a truck to Charlotte on Friday to pick up a load of donated canned goods.
“I just feel led to help people out,” said Hughes, 49, who owns a mobile home park. “You never know. One day it could be the other way around, and I might need the help.”
The Salvation Army’s Asheville-based mobile kitchen also is headed to the East Coast. The unit will prepare 1,500 to 2,000 meals a day in highly impacted areas, with a deployment expected to last up to two weeks, the agency said.
The National Humane Society wants East Coast residents to know they have set up an online Twitter feed at http://mobile.twitter.com/humanesociety.
The site includes up-to-date info on pet and animal assistance, including shelters that are available in areas affected by Irene.
The organization is also asking for additional food, blankets and, financial donations, and volunteers.
The Humane Society of Richmond County is holding a special in order to find homes for as many animals as possible.
“Animals get frightened during bad storms and they run away,” said Allison Sweatt, program coordinator.
“It never fails, every time we even have a bad thunderstorm, or fireworks, the pets come pouring in. I expect there will be more than we can handle following the bad weather from Irene.”
However, it is interesting that more than 358 million pets reside in 63 percent of American households. A Zogby International poll found that 61 percent of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them.
Carolyn MacInnes with Focus on the Family says finding volunteer opportunities after a disaster for the family is a good way to teach ourselves and our children compassion and stewardship.
“Sometimes, we all need a reminder that being an agent of change doesn't require a Superman costume, a Lone Ranger mask, or a Batmobile,” she said.
Remember this she said, “Out of the wreckage of my life, God provided purpose and healing. He opened doors and invited me to look beyond myself. I've seen firsthand the truth in these words: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Here’s how you can help:
To Donate to the Red Cross
The Red Cross offers a number of different ways people can make financial donations. They include:
39
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
• Online – Just visit redcross.org• By phone – Call 1-800-733-2767 • By text – Text Redcross to 90999 to donate $10, which will be charged to your cell phone account• By mail – Send checks made out to the American Red Cross to P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
To Donate to the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army also provides donors a number of ways to help:• Online – salvationarmyusa.org• By phone – 1-800-725-2769 • By text – Text the word Storm to 80888 to make a donation• By mail – Send checks made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Designate “2011 Hurricane Season” on all checks.• The Lacey United Methodist Church is located at 203 Lacey Road in Forked River. For more information call (609) 693-5222 .
(The Humane Society of the United States: visit humanesociety.org/prepare and http://mobile.twitter.com/humanesociety)
AmeriCares:
• Provides emergency medicine and supplies, accepts donations on its website. Phone: 1-800-486-4357 .
Operation USA:
• Accepts online donations. You can make a $10 donation by sending a text message with the word AID to 50555. Phone: 1-800-678-7255 .Direct Relief:
• Provides "Hurricane Preparation Packs" of medicine and medical supplies, is accepting donations on its website. Phone: 805-964-4767 .Food Bank for Greater New York:
• Food program locator to donate extra food and water you stocked up on in anticipation of Hurricane Irene.
Samaritan's Purse:
• Responds to a variety of disasters including tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding. Focuses on the immediate needs of homeowners to get them back into their homes. Check them out on Facebook.
40
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
28 August 2011
Virginia fatality lifts Irene death toll to 13By Douglas Stanglin28 August 2011USA TodayArticle Link
Irene has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but it is still carrying a punch and heavy rains as it works its way across New England. We will be live blogging its progress and looking at the aftermath of the storm.
Update at 1: 29 p.m. ET: Authorities in Pitt County, N.C., say a man was found dead in his home after Irene's winds toppled a tree onto his house, the AP reports.
Update at 1:05 p.m. ET: The New York City metro area's three major airports remained closed as of 1 p.m, says Ron Marsico, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, USA TODAY's Kevin McCoy reporters. He says the facilities will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. Reopening efforts are complicated by the New York City metro area mass transit shutdown, which has made it more difficult for some airport personnel to get to work. PATH trains, which link New York City to Newark and Hoboken in New Jersey, remain closed down, says Marsico. However, all New York City bridges and tunnels are open, he says.
Update at 12:35 p.m. ET: Howard Kurtz, media writer for The Daily Beast, offers a biting look at media coverage of Irene, particularly by cable news, in a posting titled Hurricane Hype.
A key excerpt:
Someone has to say it: Cable news was utterly swept away by the notion that Irene would turn out to be Armageddon. National news organizations morphed into local eyewitness-news operations, going wall-to-wall for days with dire warnings about what would turn out to be a Category 1 hurricane, the lowest possible ranking. "Cable news is scaring the crap out of me, and I WORK in cable news," Bloomberg correspondent Lizzie O'Leary tweeted.
Update at 12:08 p.m. ET: A fourth person has died in Virginia in a storm-related incident, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. A King William county emergency services spokeswoman says the victim was hit by a falling tree while cutting down another tree on his property.
Update at 12:05 p.m. ET: A spokesman for the New York Stock Exchange says the exchange will open for business as usual on Monday, USA TODAY's Marisol Bello reports.
Update at 11:49 a.m. ET: A New Jersey woman who tried to summon help on a flooded road in Salem County, N.J., was found dead in the vehicle hours later, the Asbury Park Press reports. State Police Sgt. Brian Polite says the woman made a call for help at about 1:40 a.m. to say her car was stuck on a flooded road in Pilesgrove. Polite said her body was found in the car by police at about 9:30 a.m., the Press reports.
Update at 11:44 a.m. ET: George Hood, national community relations secretary for the Salvation Army, says his organization, which runs mobile kitchens, served 15,000 meals to first responders and evacuees in New Jersey and 11,000 meals, food and drinks in Washington, Elizabeth City and Morehead City in North Carolina. In Norfolk County, Va., the Salvation Army sheltered 250 people, Hood says, according to USA TODAY's Donna Leinwand Leger.
Update at 11:34 a.m. ET: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano: "We are not out of the woods yet. Irene remains a large and potentially damaging storm. Hazards still persist in
communities that have already seen the storm pass." She says authorities and teams are in the "response" stage of the storm.
But, she notes,"the worst of the storm" is over, at least through New York and New Jersey.
Update at 11:21 a.m. ET: The East River lapped over the seawall near Stuyvesant Cove on Manhattan's East Side Sunday morning at high tide, carrying small pieces of debris and attracting hardy dog walkers and curiosity seekers, USA TODAY's Kevin Mccoy reports. "I've never seen it like this, and I've lived here 20 years," said Charles Gunkel, a designer whose apartment is in Stuyvesant Town, a sprawling residential complex of brick buildings just east of the shoreline. Nearby, a utility crew pumped floodwaters out of a manhole that spewed hot vapor from a steam pipe below ground to try to keep the pipe from rupturing.
Update at 11:15 a.m. ET: Flights have resumed at Washington-area airports, but New York-area airports remain closed.
Update at 11 a.m. ET: Rick Kelly, who ignored orders to leave his waterfront home in South Amityville, N.Y., tells USA TODAY's Martha Moore that water is waist deep in the street along Osyter Bay. "We got a lot of water," he says. "A ton of water. Most of the houses are islands." Kelly says he stayed behind despite orders to evacuate because he believed officials were being overly dire. "I'm not going to retract my 'too much hype,' but it was a pretty good storm," he says.
Update at 10:41 a.m. ET: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that in Pennsylvania boats were brought in overnight to try to get to people trapped by rising water in cars, homes and apartments in Upper Moreland, Abington, Willow Grove and other parts of Montgomery County. In Upper Moreland early today, the paper says, one rescue boat overturned, and the rescuers had to be rescued themselves. None was hurt. Reports of rescues also came in from Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties.
In Philadelphia at 4 a.m., high water from the Schuylkill swamped Kelly Drive and Chestnut Street near the Chestnut Street bridge, The Inquirer reports. The Delaware poured into the intersection of Spring Garden Street and Delaware Avenue.
Update at 10:28 a.m. ET: Washington D.C.'s Department of Transportation tweets that 90 downed wires were reported in D.C. and 30,000 D.C. residents had lost power. There is little flooding, they say, and 38 reports of fallen trees.
Update at 10:05 a.m. ET: Here is the AP's update on the 11 deaths linked to Irene:
CONNECTICUT:
-- In Prospect, one person was killed in a fire that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said apparently was caused by wires knocked down by the storm.
FLORIDA:
-- In Volusia County, 55-year-old Frederick Fernandez died Saturday off New Smyrna Beach after he was tossed off his board by massive waves caused by Irene.
-- The Orlando Sentinel reports the high school teacher had a large cut on his head, apparently from hitting the seafloor. He was pronounced dead shortly after being pulled from the water.
-- In Flagler County, 55-year-old tourist James Palmer of New Jersey died Saturday in rough surf. Family members say they lost sight of him after he waded into the surf in North Florida. He was pulled to shore and his wife attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
42
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
MARYLAND:
-- In Queen Anne's County, a woman was killed when a tree fell on a house and caused the chimney to collapse. Another person in the house was not hurt
NORTH CAROLINA:
In Nash County, a man was killed after a tree limb fell on him outside his home Saturday morning as outer bands from the storm brought near hurricane-force gusts inland.
-- Goldsboro police say a 15-year-old girl died Saturday afternoon after the SUV carrying her and family members collided with another SUV at an intersection where Irene had knocked out power to traffic lights. The victim and other family members were thrown from their SUV, and occupants of both vehicles were taken to the hospital. The girl's family was returning to northern Virginia from a vacation in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
-- A man in Pitt County drove through standing water, went off a road and died after striking a tree on Saturday.
-- A mother in Sampson County died Saturday morning when a tree fell on a car carrying her and two family members.
VIRGINIA:
-- Newport News authorities report that 11-year-old Zahir Robinson was killed when a large tree crashed through his apartment shortly after noon. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy's mother, who was in the apartment, was not injured.
-- In Brunswick County, a tree fell across a car Saturday afternoon, killing 67-year-old James Blackwell of Brodnax. The driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
-- Chesterfield County police say a man died at a Hopewell hospital Saturday after a tree fell on a house that he was inside with six other adults. A woman in the house was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
CAPTIONBy Stan Honda, AFP/Getty ImagesUpdate at 9:59 a.m. ET: The Hartford Courant reports that one person in Connecticut was killed in a house fire in Prospect that was caused by downed power lines. Police say the lines were pulled down by a falling tree. The fire occurred around 5:20 a.m. ET, the newspaper says. The Courant also reports that the mayor of Bristol has ordered some residents in low-lying areas to evacuate their homes.
Update a 9:42 a.m. ET: Senior citizens who refused to evacuate from one of Atlantic City's high-rise apartment houses — and even had a "Good night Irene party" Saturday night — say they are all doing fine, the AP reports. Tenant manager Dorothea Arlotta says all is well with the 80 residents of the 13-story Best of Life Park. A second senior high-rise where residents refused to leave suffered a power outage Saturday night, but it wasn't immediately known if they finally decided to evacuate. Buses had been kept on standby in case they changed their minds.
Update at 9:12 a.m. ET: The National Hurricane Center says the center of Irene was over New York City at 9 a.m. ET and that its sustained winds have fallen to 65 mph, moving it into the category of a tropical storm.
Update at 9:07 a.m. ET: The National Hurricane Center has downgraded Irene from a hurricane to a tropical storm as winds diminish.
43
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Update at 8:55 a.m. ET: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the north tube of the Holland Tunnel, which carries traffic from New York City to New Jersey, has been closed due to flooding, USA TODAY's Martha Moore reports.
CAPTIONBy Pablo Martinez Monsivais, APUpdate at 8:37 a.m.ET: The East River water is lapping over a sea wall, washing onto a sidewalk and toward the streets, the AP reports. CNN also reports the river topping its banks.
Updated at 8:24 a.m. ET: Irene is moving northward at 25 mph, twice as fast as on Saturday. The National Hurricane Center is continuing the Category 1 hurricane designation, although winds of 75 mph are just above the dividing line for a tropical storm, the AP reports.
Updated at 8:01 a.m. ET: The National Hurricane Center says Irene continues to be a hurricane as it moves across the New York City area, although wind speeds have begun to drop.
Updated at 7:54 a.m. ET: More than 407,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey are without power as winds and rain from Hurricane Irene lash the state, the AP reports.
Updated at 7:48 a.m. ET: A Maryland woman was reported killed in the Queenstown area of Queen Anne's County from injuries caused by a tree falling on a chimney in the victim's house, The Washington Post reports, citing the county's chief of emergency services.
Updated at 5 a.m.: The weather service has extended the watch until 11 a.m.
Original post: A hurricane watch is in place until 5 a.m., the National Weather Service says. Irene is expected to make landfall in the New York City area around noon.
44
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Response begins as Irene moves onBy John Pape27 August 2011Disaster News NetworkArticle Link
The death toll from Hurricane Irene reached eight as the massive storm continued its trek up the Eastern Seaboard Saturday, putting Maryland; Washington, DC and the New Jersey shore on high alert for overnight hurricane-force winds.
One of the fatalities was an 11-year-old Newport News boy who died when a tree crashed into his apartment, crushing him to death.
By Sunday, the storm was expected to be pounding New York City before continuing north into New England.
Even as winds, rain and surf pounded North Carolina and Virginia, faith-based groups and VOAD member organizations mobilized to meet the immediate needs of storm survivors.
The Salvation Army moved personnel and vehicles into staging locations in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. From those locations, Salvationists planned to dispatch mobile feeding units to provide food, drinks and spiritual and emotional care to emergency responders and those affected by the storm.
Disaster response teams were also on the ground from Florida to Maine, serving first responders, assisting the evacuation of low-lying areas, feeding at shelters and providing a broad range of support before Hurricane Irene makes landfall.
“We are taking this hurricane extremely seriously and are working closely with partner agencies to ensure we can provide a strong response to any impacts of the storm,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army in the U.S. “Our personnel will be working overnight and throughout the weekend to guarantee we can meet the needs.”
In total, The Salvation Army had 370 canteens and five mobile feeding kitchens throughout the region. Collectively, these stations can provide several hundred thousand meals per day when operating at full capacity. Additionally, The Salvation Army was prepared to provide a broad range of services, in coordination with local, state and federal governments, including supporting shelter operations and evacuations.
Yesterday, Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander of The Salvation Army, declared Hurricane Irene a national disaster, which puts all units on alert status throughout the United States. With the declaration, all divisions of The Salvation Army were prepared to assist by preparing staff, equipment and supplies to support impacted areas along the East Coast.
A number of faith-based organizations said they are ready to assist partners as needs unfold as a result of this disaster. “We’ve been in touch with some of the Episcopal dioceses that are in Irene’s path, and let them know that we’re on alert,” said Katie Mears, the Program Manager for USA Disaster Preparedness and Response of Episcopal Relief & Development. “Many of them have been preparing for just such an event and have developed diocesan-wide response plans.”
Both The United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Disaster Response Ministries of the United Church of Christ (UCC) said on their Websites they were contacting regional denominational conferences located in the hurricane’s path.
Children’s Disaster Services, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren, reported on its Facebook page that it had polled volunteers and that at least 60 people said they were available to respond for up to two weeks.
The American Red Cross was also preparing to assist an unprecedented number of people with a major relief operation all along the Eastern Seaboard.
“We’re talking about a massive response effort by The American Red Cross,” Kate Meier with the North Carolina Red Cross said.
More than 13,000 people spent Friday night in hundreds of shelters opened across several states, primarily North Carolina and Virginia. Many more shelters were set to open throughout the weekend as the storm moves to the north.
Volunteers from partner organizations like AmeriCorps NCCC and the Southern Baptist Convention worked alongside Red Cross volunteers in many areas.
Given the unprecedented scope of the storm and the threat to such a large population area, assistance was coming in from as far away as California, with the California Emergency Management Agency sending experts trained in search and rescue, emergency operations, planning and logistics to help with state and local emergency response efforts.
“We’re hoping for the best for all of those in the path of Hurricane Irene and we urge residents to take this storm seriously,” Cal EMA Acting Secretary Mike Dayton said. “California stands ready to provide assistance to our sister states as they prepare for this natural disaster. We’re appreciative of the help we received in the past and are glad to provide help in their time of need.”
With Irene poised to cut a broad path through New York, the New York Disaster Interfaith Services also placed its staff and members on alert to assist with recovery efforts. In a message late Friday, NYDIS Executive Vice President Ruth Yoder Wenger said members would be “in constant contact throughout the weekend,” and convene Monday morning to begin the process of assessing impacts and responding to unmet needs of survivors.
“NYDIS and its members are working hard to keep our faith communities, their congregations and social service facilities informed about the storm's progress and to prepare our clients, staff and the public,” Wenger said.
By Saturday afternoon, Irene had been downgraded to a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph; however, National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read said there remained “a high probability” of storm surges of 4-8 feet. Coupled with an expected 5-10 inches of rain, the mid-Atlantic states, New York and New England could expect flash flooding and river flooding, Read said.
At 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center reported Irene was about to re-emerge into Atlantic waters after battering much of North Carolina and Virginia all day. Although the storm had picked up forward speed, it was not expected to significantly strengthen as it moves into the New York City area and New England. It was expected to weaken into a tropical storm sometime late Sunday night or early Monday morning.
Hurricane center forecasters also described Irene’s massive size as “the size of Europe,” but said its eye never organized well enough for the storm to strengthen. Instead, it became a “large, lumbering” storm with an eye that was, at times, 60 miles wide.
“Irene is a large tropical cyclone. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 290 miles,” the National Hurricane Center said.
46
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
In the District of Columbia, Washington Mayor Vincent Gray declared a state of emergency.
“We’re telling people to go home,” Gray said.
By Saturday afternoon, the usually-bustling streets of the nation’s capital were virtually deserted and Gray declared “we’re ready for this.”
As DC hunkered down, coastal Maryland was beginning to feel hurricane-strength winds.
Despite a mandatory evacuation order in the beach resort community of Ocean City, some 300 of the city’s 7,000 people chose to ignore the warning and instead ride out the storm.
An exasperated Mayor Rick Meehan told those still in the vulnerable community by late afternoon to remain in place and not try to evacuate at the last minute.
“If they’re still there now, it’s too late to try and evacuate. They need to remain sheltered where they are; it’s too dangerous to try and leave at this point,” Meehan said.
47
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Evacuees hole up in schools, gyms, 5-star hotels27 August 2011The Associated PressArticle Link
Evacuees from Hurricane Irene sought refuge any place they could: with friends and family, in churches and schools, at stadiums and universities — and even some five-star hotels.
Joseph Cunningham spent the day playing cards and socializing with others in a shelter fashioned out of an elementary school in Galloway Township, just outside evacuated Atlantic City.
The 74-year-old, confined to a wheelchair because of congestive heart failure, said he couldn't afford a motel. But Cunningham said he prefers a shelter, where he knew medical care would be available.
"The services they provide here best fit my needs, and I feel very lucky to be here," Cunningham said.
The shelter at the school was near capacity with about 200 people, and new arrivals were sent by bus or car to other shelters as they opened. In the cafeteria, young people with families and older people with medical needs mingled, eating cold cuts and drinking coffee.
While an occasional scuffle or raised voice interrupted the relative calm, things were running as well as could be expected, shelter residents said. Sheriff's deputies and Salvation Army workers helped people move from place to place, while a nurse attended to those with medical issues.
The American Red Cross had well over 150 shelters open from North Carolina to Connecticut. In New Jersey, well over 5,000 people had moved in to shelters by mid-afternoon.
Late Saturday, the Red Cross said they were opening shelters as quickly as possible, but that supplies and space were limited, and that those whose homes were safe should stay put.
For those willing to fork over big bucks for a dry dwelling, five-star hotels provided a luxurious alternative to improvised shelters. There was no vacancy for the next several days at The Ritz-Carlton New York, along Central Park, where a double room with interior view was going for $695 per night.
Irene foiled Melanie Walters' birthday trip to Toronto with her husband. The couple from Austin, Texas, had been traveling through New York, but the second leg of the trip was canceled on Sunday. So the couple holed up at the Ritz-Carlton, where they whiled away the hours at the bar as the city shut down around them.
"It's a pretty great place to be stranded," she said, smiling happily. "Even though I have no present today."
In the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, N.Y., people trickled in at an evacuation center set up at a large high school. They arrived in occasional buses and private cars, carrying garbage bags filled with clothing and in some cases pushing carts loaded up with personal belongings and luggage.
All the residents were evacuated from a public housing project in Red Hook, a low-lying area in Brooklyn where the shipping lanes from the Erie Canal used to terminate. Residents said that to get them to leave, management told them they would shut down the water and power at 5 p.m.
"Our building is old. So I took out the air conditioners, closed the windows and locked up. But I think we'll be fine," said Evette Roblebo, a 42-year-old who drove up to the center in a car filled with friends. She sent her children to stay with relatives, wary of having them stay in a shelter.
Only about 30 evacuees were at a shelter at Brentwood High School in Brentwood, N.Y., by early afternoon Saturday. The Red Cross was prepared to welcome people from the south shore and Fire Island and said they would set up bleachers once all the beds were taken.
Alexander Ho, 31, was calmly eating a sandwich at one of several long tables in the cafeteria. Ho voluntarily left his first-floor apartment in an East Islip home — which sits several blocks from the water, just beyond the mandatory evacuation area — because he was worried about the general "mayhem" that might ensue.
"Objects outside can be projected as missiles," he said. "I figured my apartment didn't seem as safe as I thought, as every room has a window."
As the first rain and winds of Hurricane Irene hit coastal New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie introduced himself simply as "Chris" at a gym at Rutgers University, where about 500 green cots had been set up to house those transferred earlier Saturday from an arena in Trenton used as a staging space.
"Hang in there. You won't be here long," Christie told Tasha Jenkins, as she sat on a cot, her newborn baby in a car carrier next to her. "We're going to keep you safe until it passes."
The Red Cross advised residents who are heading to shelters to take these things along: Medications, spare clothing, copies of important papers, sleeping supplies and snacks. Those with a baby should bring plenty of diapers.
49
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Irene churns up East Coast27 August 2011The Associated PressArticle Link
Still menacing Hurricane Irene knocked out power and piers in North Carolina, clobbered Virginia with wind and churned up the coast Saturday to confront cities more accustomed to snowstorms than tropical storms. New York City emptied its streets and subways and waited with an eerie quiet.
With most of its transportation machinery shut down, the Eastern Seaboard spent the day nervously watching the storm's march across a swath of the nation inhabited by 65 million people. The hurricane had an enormous wingspan - 500 miles, its outer reaches stretching from the Carolinas to Cape Cod - and packed wind gusts of 115 mph.
At least 1.5 million homes and businesses were without power. While it was too early to assess the full impact, Irene was blamed for six deaths.
Seven trucks, serving as canteens that can feed up to 1,500 a day, were dispatched Saturday from Salvation Army disaster services center in Jackson to North Carolina.
"We'll feed everybody we can - survivors and responders," said Bill Feist, emergency disaster services director for the Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division of the Salvation Army. "We like to stage large, especially if it turns out to be nasty. If not, it's easier to send resources home."
Several of the trucks passed through Jackson from Louisiana to pick up supplies before quickly hitting the road again to head to North Carolina.
Doyce Buchanan and Nathan Craddock, who work in the Salvation Army's Lake Charles, La., office, drove the last truck out before lunchtime. The two volunteered to drive the canteen to Salisbury, N.C., the staging area for the 30 Salvation Army trucks coming out of the Southeast.
"We've got one to two days of meals," Buchanan said, about the boil-in-bag selections of spaghetti, stew, chili and vegetable or chicken noodle soup.
Feist said the Salvation Army crews, who are ready to feed the hungry and meet emotional needs of those in the area, are prepared for a two-week stay.
The power of the storm shouldn't be underestimated, emergency responders have said. The hurricane stirred up 7-foot waves, and forecasters warned of storm-surge danger on the coasts of Virginia and Delaware, along the Jersey Shore and in New York Harbor and Long Island Sound. In the Northeast, drenched by rain this summer, the ground is already saturated, raising the risk of flooding.
Irene made its official landfall just after first light near Cape Lookout, N.C., at the southern end of the Outer Banks, the ribbon of land that bows out into the Atlantic Ocean. Shorefront hotels and houses were lashed with waves. Two piers were destroyed, and at least one hospital was forced to run on generator power.
"Things are banging against the house," Leon Reasor said as he rode out the storm in the town of Buxton. "I hope it doesn't get worse, but I know it will. I just hate hurricanes."
By late evening, the storm had sustained winds of 80 mph, down from 100 mph on Friday. That made it a Category 1, the least threatening on a 1-to-5 scale, and barely stronger than a tropical storm. Its center passed North Carolina and was moving along the coast of Virginia. It also was picking up speed, moving at 16 mph.
After the Outer Banks, the storm strafed Virginia with rain and strong wind. Hurricane force winds covered the Hampton Roads region, which is thick with inlets and rivers and floods easily, and chugged north toward Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland transportation officials closed the Chesapeake Bay bridge when wind gusts reached 82 mph. The bridge connects the capital of Annapolis and the rest of Maryland to the Eastern Shore. A tornado touched down in Sussex County in Delaware, damaging at least 15 homes.
Shaped like a massive inverted comma, the storm had a thick northern flank that covered all of Delaware, almost all of Maryland and the eastern half of Virginia.
The deaths included two children, an 11-year-old boy in Virginia killed when a tree crashed through his roof and a North Carolina child who died in a crash at an intersection where traffic lights were out.
In addition, a North Carolina man was killed by a flying tree limb, a passenger died when a tree fell on a car in Virginia, and a surfer in Florida was killed in heavy waves.
It was the first hurricane to make landfall in the continental United States since 2008, and came almost six years to the day after Katrina ravaged New Orleans. Experts guessed that no other hurricane in American history had threatened as many people.
At least 2.3 million were under orders to move to somewhere safer, although it was unclear how many obeyed or, in some cases, how they could.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told 6,500 troops from all branches of the military to get ready to pitch in on relief work, and President Barack Obama visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency's command center in Washington and offered moral support.
"It's going to be a long 72 hours," he said, "and obviously a lot of families are going to be affected."
In New York, authorities began the herculean job of bringing the city to a halt. The subway began shutting down at noon, the first time the system was closed because of a natural disaster. It was expected to take as long as eight hours for all the trains to complete their runs and be taken out of service.
On Wall Street, sandbags were placed around subway grates near the East River because of fear of flooding. Tarps were placed over other grates. Construction stopped throughout the city, and workers at the site of the World Trade Center dismantled a crane and secured equipment.
While there were plenty of cabs on the street, the city was far quieter than on an average Saturday. In some busy parts of Manhattan, it was possible to cross a major avenue without looking.
Financial contributions are the best way local residents can help in the hurricane's aftermath, Feist said.
Donations can be made online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
"We can turn that money into exactly what we need to help and spend in the local economy that will need a boost, he said.
51
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Hurricane Irene: How to helpBy Suzanne Choney27 August 2011MSNBCArticle Link
Several organizations are helping victims of Hurricane Irene. Here's how you can help:
The American Red Cross. You can use your cellphone to send donations of $10 via text message to the agency. Text the word REDCROSS to 90999. Donations can also be mailed to local Red Cross chapters, or to: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. (For more information about getting help from the Red Cross, visit this site.)
The Salvation Army. Text the word"STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation via cellphone. Or, donate online or by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
The Humane Society of the United States is on Twitter, as well, with up-to-date info on pet and animal assistance, including shelters that are available in areas affected by Irene. You can donate by visiting the society's website.
AmeriCares, which provides emergency medicine and supplies, accepts donations on its website. Phone: 1-800-486-4357.
Habitat for Humanity, which helps rebuild homes, accepts donations on its website.
Feeding America is seeking volunteers to work in food banks. You can also donate money and learn more about volunteering here.
Operation Blessing provides disaster relief, food, water and medical supplies, and is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Operation USA accepts online donations. You can make a $10 donation by sending a text message with the word AID to 50555. Phone: 1-800-678-7255.
Direct Relief, which provides "Hurricane Preparation Packs" of medicine and medical supplies, is accepting donations on its website. Phone: 805-964-4767.
Microsoft Disaster Response. "While the impacts of Hurricane Irene will become more clear in the coming days, Microsoft is actively involved in preparations and providing support for customers, partners, local government, and nonprofit agencies," the company says on the site. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)
Food Bank for Greater New York food program locator to donate extra food and water you stocked up on in anticipation of Hurricane Irene.
Guidance for you
To help you make decisions about donations, one website to use as a resource is Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization that has information on more than 5,000 charities and evaluates the groups' financial health.
And while giving is good, beware of those out there who are not good and are trying to scam you by taking your money over the Internet and using e-mail. The Federal Trade Commission" cautions that scammers may try to take advantage of a disaster, and so consumers should be wary of urgent appeals for charitable donations, and watch out for fraudulent home repair schemes after a storm."
You can read more about avoiding home repair rip-offs and charity fraud from the FTC.
Also, the FBI, on its Facebook page, reminds folks "to beware of fraudulent e-mails and websites claiming to conduct charitable relief efforts. Disasters prompt individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause," and suggests reading "Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes" to learn more about avoiding online fraud.
53
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
27 August 2011
Key House Republicans Express Concern Over FEMA Funding Amid Irene27 August 2011FOX NewsArticle Link
House Republican leaders are calling on the Obama administration to ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund doesn’t run out of money as it responds to Hurricane Irene.
FEMA’s disaster relief fund fell below $1 billion after a series of storms and natural disasters earlier this year took its toll, forcing the agency to stop funding long-term recovery projects, including those related to Hurricane Katrina, so money is available for “immediate needs.”
Now Irene is barreling its way up the East Coast with 65 million people in its path. At least one person has already been killed after being crushed by a large limb that blew off a tree.
The Republican lawmakers want the Democratic-controlled Senate to pass an annual spending measure for the Department of Homeland Security that provides a total of $3.65 billion to FEMA’s disaster relief fund -- $1 billion in emergency funding and $2.65 billion for the 2012 fiscal year. The GOP-led House approved the bill in early June.
“Time and time again, the administration has ignored the obvious funding needs of the Disaster Relief Fund, purposefully and irresponsibly underfunding the account and putting families and communities who have suffered from terrible disasters on the back burner,” said Rep. Hal Rogers, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
“FEMA is running on fumes as they help those recovering from the devastating floods and tornadoes earlier this year,” said Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, chairwoman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee.
“The House has done its job to boost FEMA’s resources for ongoing recovery and future disasters, but the Senate is sitting on their hands instead of passing the Homeland Security Appropriations bill that will provide critical supplemental funding,” she said.
President Obama requested $6.79 billion for FEMA in 2012, down slightly from the 2010 budget, which was $7.1 billion. But the administration has yet to submit a supplemental budget request to cover additional emergency costs.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., has said that Republicans are willing to provide more money to FEMA so long as it was matched by requisite spending cuts.
This isn’t the first year that the agency has run low on funds. In 2005, FEMA nearly ran out of money after Hurricane Katrina. Congress returned to Washington in an emergency, midnight session during the August recess to free up more funds.
And FEMA ran low on funding last year and stopped approving rebuilding projects for six months until Congress approved an additional $5.1 billion.
The $1 billion in emergency funding that the House approved this year was meant to cover disaster response for 2011 in Alabama and Missouri, both of which were struck by tornadoes, and Louisiana, which was swamped by extensive flooding.
On Saturday, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate gave Obama a tour of the agency’s command center for the storm. The president, who was with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and his assistant for homeland security, John Brennan, told workers that “everybody here, you guys are doing a great job.”
55
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Obama visits FEMA command center for update on Hurricane Irene as storm heads up East CoastBy Darlene Superville27 August 2011Associated PressArticle Link
Photo Caption:
[Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, center, speaks as American Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern, left, Salvation Army Major George Hood and FEMA Director Craig Fugate, right, take part in a press conference about Hurricane Irene at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters in Washington Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011.]
President Barack Obama visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency's command center on Saturday as Hurricane Irene began making its way up the East Coast, and 6,500 American troops were told to be ready in case they are needed for relief work.
The center helps coordinate the government's response to natural disasters such as this weekend's hurricane, and the president offered encouragement to emergency management staff from across the federal government.
"Everybody here, you guys are doing a great job," Obama told dozens of workers who were at their computer stations. The workers wore red or blue vests with their job descriptions on their backs.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told 6,500 active duty troops to be prepared for a possible order for them to help with Hurricane Irene relief assistance. Panetta issued a prepare-to-deploy order for the troops from all branches of the military if support relief efforts are required, spokesman George Little said.
The request for the possible help came from states in the path of the storm.
Obama, accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and his assistant for homeland security, John Brennan, said he was monitoring the situation closely. He thanked everyone for their efforts.
""This is still obviously going to be a touch and go situation for a lot of communities, but knowing that they've got an outstanding response team like this will make all the difference in the world," he said. "Especially because you all are not going to get any sleep for the next 72 hours or so."
Earlier Saturday, Obama got a fresh update on the storm from his emergency management team.
He's asking to be kept alerted to developments throughout the day and overnight as the storm makes it way up the Eastern Seaboard. He also spoke with federal and state agencies involved in the response by video teleconference.
"It sounds like that may be an enormous strain on a lot of states," Obama said.
He said he has heard a lot of concerns about flooding and power outages. He said the government is aiming for similar effectiveness with response and recovery efforts as they've had with preparations.
Obama said that when he discussed the situation Friday with governors and mayors, he asked if they could think of anything else they needed. "There was quiet on the phone and that was a good sign," the president said.
Hurricane Irene: How You Can Help27 August 2011Huffington PostArticle Link
The Red Cross is preparing dozens of shelters along the East Coast and distributing supplies to areas in the storm's path.
People can find open Red Cross shelters by viewing an interactive Google map. You can donate to the the Red Cross relief efforts by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, sending contributions to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013 or donating online.
The Red Cross is looking for 1,000 volunteers to help in New York City during the storm and its aftermath. Jordan Humphrey of the Red Cross tells The Village Voice it's looking for anyone who's been through Red Cross reserve training, as well as Red Cross-trained EMTs, mental health professionals, and nursing professionals.
The Salvation Army is ready to provide food, drinks, spiritual and emotional care to emergency responders and survivors between the Carolinas and New England. The Salvation Army has already set up 30 mobile canteens in the Carolinas, which are able to provide in excess of 45,000 meals. An Incident Command Team has been established in Charlotte, NC and will deploy to the Carolina coast once the storm passes, according to the organization's website. To contribute to the Salvation Army's relief efforts, text "STORM" to 80888 to make a one-time $10 donation or contribute online.
When disaster strikes, Feed the Children rolls out its fleet of semi-tractor trailers stocked with the critical supplies, including diapers, baby products, bottled water, cleanup supplies, snacks to be used in the days and weeks of critical recovery time. To help Feed the Children help those in need, consider making an online donation.
AmeriCares is accepting donations to provide emergency medicines and supplies, with immediate shipment possible. The organization specializes in wound care medicines and supplies, water, and other storm-relief items.
Operation Blessing provides relief to disaster victims worldwide. The organization is accepting donations to respond with emergency food, water and other relief supplies for people impacted by Hurricane Irene.
Eastern Seaboard braces for IreneBy John Pape26 August 2011Disaster News NetworkArticle Link
Even as rains and wind from Hurricane Irene began to lash the coast of North Carolina Friday, much of the Eastern Seaboard braced for the massive storm as it targeted such major cities as Baltimore; New York and Boston.
Some 29 million people were under a hurricane warning Friday evening as the Category 2 storm packing 100 mph winds threatened some of the most heavily-populated cities in the nation.
In terms of size, Irene was larger than Hurricane Ike that devastated Galveston and much of the Houston area in 2008.
A host of faith-based organizations began staging resources and preparing response teams as evacuations of historic proportions were ordered from coastal North Carolina through the New York City metropolitan area.,
The Emergency Response Program of Church World Service provided 600 blankets, 600 hygiene kits and 600 cleanup buckets to the Chesapeake American Red Cross.
In North Carolina, the Salvation Army in one North Carolina county, reported shelters were beginning to fill up.
Gov. Bev Perdue urged residents to finalize storm preparations and be prepared to evacuate if ordered by local officials. She also spoke with President Barrack Obama, thanked him for the federal government’s assistance and asked him to be prepared to provide further help if the storm hits the state hard.
“We continue to prepare for Hurricane Irene, and we’re ready to handle this storm,” Perdue said. “Residents and visitors must heed evacuation orders and other instructions from local and state officials. This hurricane is real and poses a threat to North Carolina.”
Twenty North Carolina counties with a combined population of more than 3.5 million people were expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irene. Threatened counties included Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington.
Irene began to come ashore just before 9 p.m. local time and the entire North Carolina coast was expected to experience hurricane force winds all day Saturday. Heavy rains and flash flooding were expected, along with storm surge reaching up the Neuse and Tar rivers. Emergency managers reported weather conditions were “deteriorating in a hurry” as Irene made landfall.
The N.C. National Guard placed 200 soldiers on active duty and positioned troops and equipment in coastal areas. An additional 2,500 troops were placed on standby.
Forty swiftwater rescue teams, as well as several urban search and rescue teams from Wilmington, Lumberton and Greenville were placed on “high alert.”
Shelters were opened in Brunswick, Craven, Duplin, Halifax, Hertford, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton Pender and Wilson counties. The state coordinated emergency shelter operations with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, North Carolina Baptist Men and North Carolina Social Services to shelter and feed evacuees. Mass care support
trailers and mobile animal trailers were placed on standby in Halifax and Northampton counties to support those shelters.
Evacuations were ordered on Ocracoke Island, as well as in Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, New Hanover, Pender, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
Local states of emergency were declared in Beaufort, Carteret, Currituck, Hyde, New Hanover, Pamlico, Pender, Tyrrell and Washington counties, and state ports were closed in Morehead City and Wilmington. All rail transportation was cancelled for Saturday.
Up the coast, authorities in Virginia were also making preparations for Irene, including closing state offices at 3 p.m. Friday. Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency, noting the storm’s forecast track had shifted and urging coastal residents to be prepared to evacuate.
"Over the last 24 hours, a number of weather models have shifted the forecasted track of Irene slightly to the west, increasing the potential for inclement weather and potentially dangerous conditions in portions of Virginia. At this time, I encourage all Virginians to gather items they may need this weekend in case of power outages and disruptions in public services and to make sure their family members and friends are also prepared for this storm,” McDonnell said.
Even before Irene hit Virginia, its effects claimed the life of a victim. A 22-year-old surfer was pronounced dead at a Virginia Beach hospital after getting caught in rip currents triggered by the approaching storm.
In Maryland, emergency management agency officials were urging residents statewide to take precautions, even if they are not in the high impact area.
“During tropical storm and hurricane force winds, items we usually consider harmless can become dangerous projectiles,” Maryland Emergency Management Agency Director Richard Muth said. “We urge property owners to take a few minutes, look around and either bring items inside or make sure they are secure.”
Although the lower Eastern Shore was expected to take the worst impact from Irene, most of the state was expected to experience severe weather beginning Saturday evening.
Additionally, the Maryland Department of Environment announced the temporary closure of the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, as well as the state’s coastal bays, to shellfish harvesting from Sunday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Sept. 2 due to possible contamination from the storm.
The closure could remain in effect longer if water-quality monitoring shows additional concerns. It could be lifted before that date if the storm’s effects on water quality are less than expected.
“Maryland is taking this emergency action to prevent the potentially harmful effects of eating shellfish exposed to contaminated waters,” said MDE Secretary Robert M. Summers.
Further up the coast in New Jersey, Asbury Park was also bracing for a hard hit from the storm. Despite warnings to evacuate, many in Asbury Park remained Friday evening in an almost party atmosphere. That caused New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to issue a blunt warning.
“Get . . . off the beach in Asbury Park and get out,” Christie said.
In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered the evacuation of more than 250,000 people in low-lying areas and prepared to shut down its entire mass transit system by noon on Saturday. All New York City airports were also set to close at the same time.
59
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
In announcing the evacuation, Bloomberg stressed the seriousness of the threat.
"We've never done a mandatory evacuation before and we wouldn't be doing it now if we didn't think this storm had the potential to be very serious," Bloomberg said during a news conference.
The unprecedented evacuations were ordered for people living in areas near the waterfront. New York City police and firefighters had a fleet of rescue boats at the ready, if needed.
60
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
PHOTO27 August 2011gettysimageImage Link
Photo Caption:
Salvation Army Major George Hood speaks during a press conference on Hurricane Irene at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington, DC, on August 27, 2011. Irene blasted ashore at Cape Lookout, North Carolina on Saturday, a weakened but still massive category one storm on track to batter major US cities. Sustained winds of 85 miles (140 kilometers) an hour lashed coastal areas as Irene made landfall near the southern end of a chain of barrier islands that ring the North Carolina coast, the National Hurricane Center said.
Military support and families preparing for IreneBy Catherine Lash26 August 2011Examiner.comArticle Link
They're the only group of its kind in the nation. In their 60's and 70's, these Marine Corps veterans are still serving. Members of the Charlotte, North Carolina-based Marine Corps Disaster Relief Unit No. 1 deployed Friday to various parts of coastal North Carolina.
Working in conjunction with the Salvation Army's mobile canteens, President Bob Griffin says, "We are equipped to serve a hot meal to 2,000 people a day. The Salvation Army brings the food to us - we cook it and give it to the people."
The organization began after 9/11. Their mission is "to quickly deploy personnel, foodservice equipment and food to disaster sites which are chosen by a qualified disaster relief organization."
These guys will be the first to tell you - Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Toughing it out to complete a mission, Griffin recalls, "One time, we actually had to drive through a hurricane to get to where we were going to help."
After a damaging round of spring tornados, North Carolina military families are preparing for a hostile attack of the likes of Hurricane Irene.
A Military Family Prepares
Dawn Brinkley of Sneads Ferry, NC has been a Marine's wife for 19 years. She just completed her reign as Mrs. North Carolina 2010. Notedly, she was the first military spouse crowned. Her husband, Ian, is a pilot at the New River Air Station near Camp Lejeune.
Irene: Donated dinners sustain Stockaders as they clean upCity workers bring cheer as well as helpBy Steven Cook1 September 2011Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)
SCHENECTADY — After a hard day of work Tuesday trying to clean up her basement, the chili was a welcome meal for Deborah Zalondek.
The supper came courtesy of the members of the First Presbyterian Church at 209 Union St., who have been delivering meals to residents of the flood-ravaged Stockade.
Zalondek said she’s not sure she would have eaten otherwise.
“They’ve been wonderful,” Zalondek, of North Ferry Street, said on Wednesday after polishing off another church-provided meal of a sandwich, piece of fruit and bottle of water. The appreciation was evident in her voice. “We weren’t eating at all. If they didn’t come down here, we’d probably go one meal a day to McDonald’s, if we could even drive there.”
Members of the Stockade church have been providing the meals to grateful residents since dinnertime Tuesday.
And they plan to continue their work through lunch today, when a Salvation Army canteen truck is expected to take over.
Members of the church, located in a part of the neighborhood untouched by floodwaters, began the effort as a way to help their neighbors, members said.
The original idea was to make the dinner and offer it at the church, letting residents know about the effort by handing out fliers.
But when only about a dozen showed up for their dinner, volunteers quickly shifted their efforts.“We realized that people were working hard and they probably were dirty and just needed to keep plugging along,” said church member Karen Cummings, who’s helped coordinate the effort. “So we changed gears quickly and loaded the food into vans and took it down in teams.”
Church pastor Larry Roff was among those letting residents know about the effort handing out the food.
He said it was natural for the church members to help their neighbors.
“There’s a verse in the New Testament that says it’s more blessed to give than to receive,” Roff said, “and that’s what motivates this.”
Much of the food came through donations. Lakeside Farms in Ballston Lake donated fruit; members of the community garden on Fehr Avenue brought over tomatoes and other produce.Price Chopper also donated many of the nonperishables. A church member who works for the supermarket made some calls and the company came through.
Preparing to give out Tuesday night’s meal without power, another church member, an employee of General Electric, contacted them about possibly sending a generator. GE was in the process of getting it there when the power came back on Tuesday afternoon, members said.
63
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Residents of the affected neighborhood said the effort was one bright spot in their seemingly endless work cleaning up.
That work seemed to be dealt a blow when some of the residents got power back, but then lost it again late Tuesday.
Acting Mayor Gary McCarthy said Wednesday some homes inadvertently got power back through work to get the YWCA back on line.
Homes that had submerged power boxes shouldn’t have gotten power back, McCarthy said. Even if the power worked, water in the boxes could cause corrosion. That would lead to shorts and become a fire hazard, he said.
Zalondek’s frustration with the situation only increased as she tried to coordinate her plumber with National Grid inspections and others. She had her plumber on site for an hour Wednesday afternoon waiting for National Grid to come and unlock the gas.
City sanitation crews were also busy focusing on the area, with garbage trucks making almost daily trips to remove piles of household items that the flood turned into garbage.
Laurie Begnaud, of North Street, said she thought the Sanitation Department was “fabulous.”
She and friends have been working to clean out her flooded basement. She recalled the city workers bringing sump pumps and even some cheer.
“They were just so sweet and helpful,” Begnaud said. “Everybody was smiling and being just as nice as they could be.”
Helping Begnaud was friend Todd Quickenton, who lives on North College Street, his home escaping the storm largely unscathed.
He felt his good fortune compelled him to help his friend.
“I have power. I have hot water. I have a house that’s clean and dry,” Quickenton said. “If I wasn’t affected, what else can I do really?”
After Quickenton spoke, First Presbyterian Church members arrived with the Salvation Army cleanup kits. Begnaud marveled at what was inside.
On Ingersoll Avenue, Justin Ritter continued Wednesday to clean out his apartment of three weeks. Helping him was the church’s food efforts. He accepted some chili Tuesday evening and cookies Wednesday.
“It’s just that little bit of sustenance and a little bit of a morale booster,” Ritter said.
64
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
31 August 2011:
Where to donate, how to help Irene's victims31 August 2011Times Union (Albany, New York)Article Link
-- Organizers are looking for volunteers to help clean up the Fonda Fairgrounds, 201 South Bridge St., so the annual fair can open by 5 p.m. Thursday. The fair was to have begun Wednesday, but the exhibits, competitions and shows are being prepared. Information at http://www.fondafair.com/
-- FarmieMarket.com, the Capital Region's Online Farmers' Market, and All Good Bakers are soliciting donations for the not-for-profit Regional Farm and Food Project. All funds donated will be directly paid to farmers in the greater Capital Region affected by Hurricane Irene. Donated funds will cover operating and reconstruction expenses for farms, and provide stipends to farms that lost significant agricultural product and projected income in the storm. Donations of all sizes are welcome. Donate online at FarmieMarket.com.
-- The Schalmont Central School District is collecting children's clothing and backpacks with supplies to help students, particularly those who live in Rotterdam Junction, whose homes were flooded. Money gift cards (American Express, Visa etc.), household items, cleaning supplies, toiletries, first-aid supplies and non-perishable food are also being collected. Drop off donations at Jefferson Elementary School, 100 Princetown Road. For information, call Cori Kinns at 956-0163.
-- The City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St., is a collection point for items that will be passed on to the American Red Cross. Of particular need are items for shelters in Schoharie County such as pet food and supplies, perishable food like fruit and milk, and laundry detergent and dish soap. When dropping off donations, make sure to label items that are specifically for flood victims. Call 346-2275 for more information.
-- The Windham Area Relief Foundation Help started a fund called "Windham Rebuild after Hurricane Irene" to help the Greene County community rebuild. Donate at windhamrebuild.org or send checks to WARF, 61 State Route 296, Windham, NY 12496 and indicate "flood relief" in the memo.
-- Price Chopper customers can purchase window signs to show their support for the "Your Help Counts: Irene" campaign. All funds will be directed to the American Red Cross for disaster relief in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Price Chopper will match the first $10,000 raised.
-- Make donations to the Salvation Army's Empire State Division online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by texting the word "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone. For more information, go to http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/, www.facebook.com/salvationarmyusa or www.twitter.com/salvationarmyus.
-- The American Red Cross is holding four-hour training sessions for "spontaneous volunteers" who want to assist victims of Tropical Storm Irene. Fast-track training sessions will be held at the Nubian Directions Building, 248 Main St., Poughkeepsie, on Thursday and Tuesday. Training sessions run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Only one session is required before volunteers are deployed. Call 458-8111 to register. To donate money, Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or send a check to the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York, 33 Everett Road, Albany, NY 12205. More than 50 blood drives along the East Coast have been canceled because of Hurricane Irene. To donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.
Irene: Delaware County Clean UpBy Jenna Hanchard31 August 2011WBNG TV (Binghamton, New York)Article Link Village of Margaretville, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Delaware County officials are urgently asking anyone who has no business in the affected areas of Tropical Storm Irene to get out of an area that was hard hit.
States of emergencies remain in effect for the Village of Margaretville and the Village of Fleischmanns
The Salvation Army has set up feeding stations throughout both villages.They are supplying food and bottled water.
There is also dry ice and bottled water at the fire station in Margaretville at 77 Church St.Delaware County is anticipating federal assistance from FEMA.
Delaware Emergency Services Coordinator Richard Bell says the county is working on setting up a 24-hour emergency operation center so residents can have a one stop shop to access federal assistance and local social services.
Officials are also compiling a list of volunteers to assist people at their homes.
Officials also say refuse is a major problem in both the Village of Fleishchmanns and Margretville.Delaware County Department of Public Works is asking residents to bring their trash to two drop of points.
This service is free of charge.
Residents can bring structural debris, flooded furnishings, scrap metal, refridgerators, freezers, air conditioners, tires, television sets, monitors and hazardous household wastes, they can bring them to
There is one drop off point in Arkville on County Route 38, also known as the cutoff road.
They are also accepting materials at the intersection of State Highway 28 and Main Street.
Officials are asking residents to segregate materials
These drop off stations will be staffed from 7am to 5pm
Irene: Delaware County DevastationBy Jenna Hanchard31 August 2011WBNG TV (Binghamton, New York)Article Link
(WBNG Binghamton) Communities across the Southern Tier are still reeling in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene.
Local disaster areas have been declared for the Village of Fleischmanns and Margaretville.WBNG E-News - Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
Action News toured the devastation Tuesday to see how neighbors there are maintaining hope among the mess.
The storm left neighbors and businesses with a pile of destruction.
But, amid the twisted trees, metal and mud-soaked streets there is hope.
John Franckowiak was able to salvage most of his belongings.
"We've got one hell of a mess to clean up. So, we keep plugging along and cleaning up until we can get put back together," he says.
However, others such as Charlene Roberts were not so lucky.
The storm destroyed Roberts' video rental business.
"There's probably three to four inches of mud in there.Everything is off the shelves, on the floors and it's a disaster area," she says.
The water from the floods lifted sections of the Valkaryian Motel off of its foundation, leaving one woman dead.
Carl Patrick Davis, Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Middletown, Village of Margaretville and the Village of Fleischmanns, surveyed what was left of the Motel.
"I believe she went down with one of the units. One of them washed off the foundation into the flood and she went with it and ended up drowning," he says.
The Salvation Army made the trek from Ohio to bring food and supplies to those in need.
"We're out here from lunch time and we serve lunch and dinner. We go back and we restock and we come back the next day," says Jason Price of the Salvation Army.
The rain and wind from Sunday's storm destroyed grocery stores, neighborhood parks and many businesses.
As neighbors pick up the broken pieces of towns they remember, many say the resilience of the people is the glue that binds their communities.
"I had a couple of great friends and their wives are helping us. My family has been here continuously and it's been kind of hard. We're doing the best we can," says Franckowiak.
"The community is so wonderful. I love it here. I love every person in this town," says Roberts.
Residents without power 'trying to be patient'By Kathryn Kennedy31 August 2011The Daily Reflector (Greenville, North Carolina)Article Link
Greenville Utilities crews were met with a “systemwide disaster” Saturday, officials say. Hurricane Irene's punishing winds left 45,000 of GUC's 65,000 customers without electricity.
By Tuesday afternoon, the number had dwindled to 700. The accomplishment provides little comfort to those still in the dark.
“We're right here on the main drag and still nothing,” said Tami Parnell, a resident of Reedy Branch Apartments on 10th Street. “I know we're not the only ones. We're trying to be patient.”
Parnell said she hadn't had a decent meal in four days, but the Salvation Army was beginning to provide plates to her community.
About 20 of her neighbors also were without power Tuesday. Parnell pointed to chairs scattered on the ground-floor landing, explaining residents had been grilling food before it spoils and staying out in the cooler night air.
“We've become a close-knit group,” she said.
Terry Wilson, a Slay Drive resident and friend of Parnell, had a tip for those missing hot water.
“I've been managing,” she said. “When you work out in the yard clearing limbs, you work up a sweat, and that cold shower isn't so bad.”
Hundreds of customers served by Progress Energy and Dominion Power in Ayden, Bethel, Grifton and Grimesland have yet to regain electricity. Scattered outages also exist in Falkland, Farmville and Winterville.
Greenville officials announced Tuesday evening that 10 trees still are in roadways. City Manager Wayne Bowers said the trees will be removed as soon as GUC removes the wires, and the streets will be opened.
A contract tree removal company has mobilized and will begin work at 7 a.m. today in west Greenville and the Tar River-university neighborhood, Bowers said.
City crews should complete one round of debris removal in Ironwood and all residential areas north of the Tar River by Thursday.
With power restored Tuesday at Christy's Euro Pub, other issues were illuminated.
Owner Tandi Mahn spent the afternoon cleaning out the Jarvis Street restaurant's walk-in freezer. Frustrated, she tossed dozens of eggs, packs of melted butter and spoiled cheese into the garbage.
“Downtown had power, and all those businesses were open and making money, and we have to throw away food,” she said. “I'm a small business. I pay fees and taxes.”
Mahn guesses between $2,000 and $3,000 worth of food was ruined, plus the revenue lost because she couldn't open for four days.
She hopes Federal Emergency Management Agency funding might be available to reimburse her employees for the hours they missed.
Gov. Beverly Perdue has requested a federal disaster declaration for seven North Carolina counties — the first step in getting FEMA money for the uninsured and under-insured. Pitt County is not among them.
North Carolina Emergency Management Spokeswoman Julia Jarema said it's not uncommon to include additional counties as damage assessments are completed.
Early data in Pitt indicates 2,000 homes and businesses were damaged to varying degrees, with the cost estimates in Greenville alone totaling $6.6 million for private properties.
Homeowners whose utilities meters are physically damaged may face some unexpected costs if they want to keep the power running. Those issues are causing many of the scattered outages that remain in the city, GUC spokeswoman Sue Hatch said.
“If the meter base needs rewiring, customers are required to contact a licensed electrician to make repairs,” she said. “And a city or county inspection will be necessary before GUC can restore power.”
That applies to East Carolina University students Madison Keesling and Jillian Morrow. The equipment connecting their meter to the power lines is hanging off the side of their North Overlook Drive home, though it's still running.
Their power was turned on Monday night, but they were told it will be shut off again without an electrician's aid.
“It'll work, but it's not safe,” Morrow said, recapping what neighbors with a box in the same condition were told by GUC.
70
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Salvation Army transitions services after Hurricane IreneBy Cindy Clayton31 August 2011The Virginian-PilotArticle Link
The Salvation Army is transitioning from mass feeding operations to casework.
Trained personnel now will work with families and individuals to address long-term needs such as help with utilities, food supplements and emergency needs, a news release from the organization says.
The Salvation Army has provided more than 17,000 meals, drinks and snacks along with more than 250 cleanup kits since Hurricane Irene came through Hampton Roads.
In North Carolina, the organization is continuing to provide services and has served more than 40,000 meals and offered spiritual support to more than 760 people.
Mobile canteens are serving lunch today in Williamsburg at the Williamsburg Outlet Mall and two others will roam the city.
People seeking help with food and utilities can visit their local Salvation Army office.
Salvation Army sends Salem team to flood regionBy Mary Ann Greier30 August 2011Salem NewsArticle Link
A Salvation Army disaster response team from Salem packed up supplies and headed to pennsylvania Saturday as part of a massive call to help communities up and down the East Coast impacted by Hurricane Irene.
Lt. Kristin Price said her husband, Lt. Jason Price, and church members Bill Houshour and Margaret and Tony Cross have been assigned to serve food at a nursing home without power in Margaretville, N.Y. - a town located in the Catskill Mountains.
"They're actually having a really hard time - the entire town is flooded," she said.
According to a story in The Daily Star on Monday, Margaretville is one of at least four communities hit with flash flooding in Delaware County. The area was visited by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with photos on the Internet showing flooded streets.
When Price spoke to her husband earlier Monday, he wasn't sure how they were going to get to the nursing home, but she said they'll do what they have to do.
"They'll assist the people one way or another," she said.
After getting the call Friday night, the team started securing supplies, with a donation of water from Gordon Brothers and a donation of gift cards from Walmart which were used to buy food supplies. They also took lots of rain ponchos and first aid supplies.
The Salem team took a van and also borrowed a canteen from the Warren Salvation Army Corps.
They were one of the first emergency response teams called out from Northeast Ohio, along with a team from the Bellaire Salvation Army Corps. Although the Prices are new to the Salem Salvation Army Corps, she said Salem's disaster response team is one of the more experienced, responding to all the major disasters in the past 10 to 11 years, including the Sept. 11 tragedy and Hurricane Katrina.
The teams stayed at the Salvation Army's Camp Ladore in Waymart, Pa., as a central meeting point for response teams to wait out the storm, experiencing a lot of wind and torrential rain. The Salvation Army has 370 canteens and five mobile feeding kitchens along the eastern seaboard, according to the Salvation Army disaster services website at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
Besides providing food and water, Price said her husband will provide pastoral care to people in need. They'll also provide manual labor if needed. She said the Salvation Army is a church, but it's also about service.
"We believe that we are here for a reason. This is just another opportunity for ministry and to give back to others," Price said.
The Salvation Army website noted that monetary donations can be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by texting the word "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation through a mobile phone.
How you can help victims of Hurricane Irene30 August 2011Star-LedgerArticle Link Tuesday: Left to right, Jenny Mollegard-Donnelly looks over some old family photos that were salvaged just before being thrown out with flood damaged furniture and household items in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene in Denville. (Jerry McCrea/The Star-Ledger)Hurricane Irene Photos Day-by-Day gallery (80 photos)
State, federal and local authorities are calling on the public to aid New Jersey residents whose homes and neighborhoods suffered flood damage from Hurricane Irene:
• The State Department is directing volunteers to some of the hardest-hit areas. Those interested in helping should contact the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism at (609) 633-9629 or (609) 775-5236 . Potential volunteers can also find places to help online by visiting VolunteerNewJersey.org. or sending an e-mail to [email protected].
• The American Red Cross is accepting financial donations to help with the recovery. Donations can be made by calling (800) 733-2767 , or online by visiting the website for your local Red Cross chapter. To find your local office, visit redcross.org and enter your zip code on the right side of the home page.
• The Red Cross is also asking for blood donors to visit www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation. Platelet donations, which are vital to cancer patients, can be made by calling (215) 451-4153 .
• The Blood Bank of New Jersey is hosting several drives this week in flood-ravaged areas. On Friday, there will be a drive at the Wayne Department of Health from 3 to 8 p.m., and another event in Passaic at 503 Paulison Ave. from noon to 6 p.m. To find about other drives, or to donate blood in your area, call (973) 676-4700 .
• Donations can be made to the state chapter of the Salvation Army by calling (800) SAL-ARMY or by texting the word "storm" to 80888, which will send an automatic $10 donation from mobile phones. Donations can all be made online by visiting salvationarmyusa.org
• Flood victims in Denville are "desperately in need" of clothing store gift cards. Township officials are asking anyone who can donate to drop off gift cards to the Social Services Department located at 1 St. Mary’s Place inside Town Hall.
• The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are urging the public to donate money, rather than goods, because damage from rising flood waters is making it difficult to store relief items where they are most needed.
Salvation Army reaches stranded residents on Outer Banks30 August 2011Hickory Daily Record (Greenville, North Carolina)Article Link
The highway to Hatteras may be washed out, but the Salvation Army has established a presence on the Outer Banks and is helping stranded residents.
The Salvation Army has 37 mobile feeding response teams serving throughout eastern and coastal North Carolina. The Hickory command’s disaster response vehicle is enroute to the coast.
From its Response and Operations Center in Greenville, The Salvation Army is coordinating an increased response to the Outer Banks where reports indicate the island has been breached in four areas and 2,400 people remain stranded. Response teams are approaching the barrier islands from the south via ferry service and from the north utilizing bridges along the northern Outer Banks. Mobile feeding canteen teams from the Charleston, Florence and Georgetown, SC, are in service.
Power outages remain widespread. A Salvation Army satellite communications team from Florida is now in Bayboro for communications support of the response teams serving in the area. Another satellite communications trailer is currently in use at its Response and Operations Center in Greenville.
“Many have returned to the normalcy of everyday life, but The Salvation Army continues to deploy service teams to meet urgent needs,” said Maj. Willis Howell, divisional command for The Salvation Army of North and South Carolina. “At this very moment we have mobilized feeding teams to serve a reported 2,400 people stranded on the Outer Banks. There remains great need throughout the Carolinas, and The Salvation Army intends to search until all have been met.”
There are 12 mobile feeding canteens serving meals and providing assistance to people in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, as well.
Through Sunday, The Salvation Army has served nearly 30,000 meals, snacks and drinks. In North Carolina, The Salvation Army is prepared to feed 90,000 individuals.
Salvation Army mobile feeding units are in Elizabeth City, Greenville, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Morehead City, New Bern, Rocky Mount, Washington, Wilmington, and the Outer Banks.
Salvation Army officials say the best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors.
If you want to help those affected by Hurricane Irene go to www.salvationarmycarolinas.org or call 1-800-725-2769 . Donors may also contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word STORM to 80888, and confirming the donation with the word “Yes.”
Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO Box 1959 Atlanta, Ga. 30301. Designate Hurricane 2011 on all checks.
Here’s how a donation work:
* A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day;
* A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies;
* A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster;
* A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station operational for 24 hours;
* A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen (mobile feeding unit) fully operational for one day.
At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted. Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during an incident, officials said.
However, these items are important in supporting the day-to-day work of the local Salvation Army.
For more information:
Go to www.salvationarmycarolinas.org, www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or follow the EDS team on Twitter @SalArmyEDS and @tsacarolinas and YouTube channel SalArmyEDS.
75
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Monetary Donations Needed for Salvation Army Relief Efforts30 August 2011WVNS TV (Ghent, West Virginia)Article Link
The Salvation Army is in critical need of monetary donations as the clean-up continues from Hurricane Irene.
Significant flooding and power outages remain a major concern, according to a news release from the organization. Canteens, which are mobile feeding units, along with volunteers are spread throughout the east coast.
Your donations can really make a difference:
A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day.
A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies.
A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster.
A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station in operation for 24 hours.
A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen fully operational for one day.
Donations can be made by logging onto www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 800-725-2769 .
IRENE: Food, water available for hurricane victims at Pamlico fire departments30 August 2011The Sun Journal (New Bern, North Carolina)Article Link
About 4,000 Pamlico County homes and businesses remained without electricity late Tuesday afternoon, as cleanup and power line repairs continued in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
Hot food, along with water and ice are now available throughout the county for its 13,000 residents.
A Pamlico County Disaster Information Office was set up in the courthouse, headed by Jayne Robb, the county Planner/Economic Developer.
Robb is giving public briefings about every two hours in the area outside the elections office in the courthouse annex.
Robb, Elections Director Lisa Bennett and other county staffers provide updates, information on food, water and ice distribution and help residents prepare for possible FEMA assistance. However, the FEMA registration has not begun since a federal declaration has not yet been approved.
Still, Robb said it was imperative that residents register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 .
“You must be registered to receive any assistance,” she said.
Robb is also answering storm-related questions during the daily briefings.
A FEMA advisory team for county emergency personnel is on hand.
The tentative schedule for today’s briefings are 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Robb said other late afternoon sessions may be held.
She said the Salvation Army has hot food at Points of Distribution, or PODS, at each of the county’s volunteer fire departments and at the Goose Creek Island Community Center. The Salvation Army is serving lunch at 11:30 a.m. and dinner at 4:30 p.m.
The community center also has a portable shower.
The county’s emergency shelter remains open at Pamlico Community College, on N.C. 306 between Grantsboro and Arapahoe.
The county Health Department lifted a mandatory closing of the county’s 30 to 50 restaurants and food-service facilities Monday night, according to Davin Madden, the health director. He said inspectors were making the rounds Tuesday and some restaurants are re-opening.
He said there were two inspection criteria — for restaurants and food businesses that lost power and those that also were flooded.
The entire county lost electricity, so non-flooded facilities will have their food checked to make sure it was maintained at a safe temperature. A more rigorous process is required for about five businesses that were flooded in the county, including three in Oriental. Madden said the inspection includes possible renovations and repairs caused by the flood waters.
Also, anyone with a well that was damaged or submerged under water should call the health department before using the water. After electricity is restored, a health inspector will conduct a well-head inspection. Call environmental health at 252-745-5634 .
Anyone who suffers a puncture or an open wound during storm cleanup can get a free tetanus shot at the county health department in Bayboro, beginning about noon Wednesday.
The county announced Tuesday morning that a boil-water advisory remains in effect for about 6,000 county water system customers. All water for human consumption should be boiled.
“Water in Pamlico County is not contaminated. We have not had any water samples come back positive. The water advisory is precautionary,” the statement said.
The release added that there are periods of low pressure and outages in the system. For information, call 252-745-5453 .
Public schools remain closed, but Pamlico Middle School was flooded and when schools do reopen, students will have classes at the county’s other three schools. That will continue until cleanup and repairs are completed at the middle school.
The plans calls for sixth-graders to go to Pamlico Primary School; seventh-graders will go to Fred A. Anderson Elementary School and eighth-graders will attend Pamlico High.
A letter from Superintendent Wanda P. Dawson said bus routes and times would not change. For information, call Pamlico Primary at 252-745-3404 ; Fred Anderson at 252-745-4611 ; and Pamlico High at 252-745-3151 .
78
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Irene leaves but Salvation Army staysBy Jackie Johnson30 August 2011Wisconsin Radio NetworkArticle Link
Hurricane Irene has come and gone, but the need for help continues. The Salvation Army remains on the scene along the east coast, doing damage assessment and helping evacuees and volunteers.
“They’re receiving significant requests for mass care after the power outages, the downed power lines, trees and local flooding. Thousands of the evacuees are housed in shelters across the area especially those who live in low lying areas that prone to surges.”
Ruth Ann Schoer with the Salvation Army of Dane County says the organization has already provided lodging to hundreds of people and served over 40,000 meals to first responders and evacuees in coastal states by Monday morning.
The hurricane may be gone, but there are widespread power outages, downed power lines and trees, and localized flooding. “That means that there are people who are in need of assistance, when they don’t have power they general come the shelters. The last I heard was we had about 370 of our canteens ready to feed as needed and we could feed up to 200,000 people a day.”
Schoer says the Salvation Army money goes a lot further than in-kind contributions, due to the time and cost of transporting supplies across the country. Money is used to replenish food supplies. Perhaps the easiest and safest way to contribute would be simply to text the donation. To make a one-time, $10 contribution, text the word “storm” to the number 80888.
Irene is being blamed for over three dozen deaths. Nearly 6 million customers were without power at peak outages.
Make Sure Your Donations Really Get to Hurricane Irene VictimsBy Sherri Lonon 30 August 2011New Tampa PatchArticle Link
With a death toll that keeps rising and millions still without power, reaching out to help the victims of Hurricane Irene is a natural inclination for many.
But, how can donors make sure their money is really going to go where it’s meant to?
Both the Pasco and Hillsborough county sheriff’s offices say it’s not at all uncommon for scammers to come out in force after natural disasters like Irene. “Nonprofits” that are less than legitimate are likely to start popping up with the sole intent of parting donors and their money, officials said.
To safeguard against fraud, Debbie Carter of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office suggests area residents deal only with organizations they know, such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army, and steer clear of those they don’t.
If someone does want to donate to a new charity or one they’ve never heard of before, Carter said it’s worth taking the time to “look into it.” Still, it’s “always a safe bet to go with the ones you’re familiar with,” she adds.
Carter said donors can check into nonprofits by running an Internet search on them, contacting the Better Business Bureauand generally just checking into their missions and track records.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kevin Doll echoed Carter’s advice, but also warned residents to beware of email scams related to Hurricane Irene recovery efforts. Phishers, he said, may start sending out emails with direct links to "donate." When people make a donation using the link, however, the money will go to a bad guy and not the desired agency.
“Don’t click on an email if it says it’s from the Red Cross — it might not be,” Doll said. Instead, residents who want to make donations to Red Cross hurricane relief efforts or another nonprofit should contact the agency directly.
Doll’s best advice?
“Deal with the tried and true nonprofits,” he said.
Here’s how to contact the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army:
To Donate to the Red Cross
The Red Cross offers a number of different ways people can make financial donations. They include:
Online – Just visit redcross.orgBy phone – Call 1-800-733-2767By text – Text Redcross to 90999 to donate $10, which will be charged to your cell phone accountBy mail – Send checks made out to the American Red Cross to P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.Volunteers are also needed, said Janet McGuire, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter. Information is available on the agency’s website.
The Salvation Army also provides donors a number of ways to help:
Online – salvationarmyusa.orgBy phone – 1-800-725-2769By text – Text the word Storm to 80888 to make a donationBy mail – Send checks made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Designate “2011 Hurricane Season” on all checks.
81
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Learn how to help Hurricane Irene victims30 August 2011EllwoodCity.orgArticle Link
As Hurricane Irene hit the East Coast this past weekend Salvation Army teams moved into action. The Salvation Army Damange Assessment Teams focused on mass feeding and emergency response teams were put in place to support shelter operations, police, fire and rescue personnel throughout the East Coast.
Salvation Army damage assessment teams throughout North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware are still receiving significant requests for mass care after widespread power outages, downed power lines and trees and localized flooding caused by Hurricane Irene. There continue to be thousands of evacuees housed in shelters across the region, especially those living in low lying areas prone to storm surge, as well as several senior centers. Most of The Salvation Army’s current response is focused on mass feeding of evacuees as well as fire, rescue, police and other emergency response personnel.
“The initial damage reports are leaving us cautiously optimistic that there has not been widespread structural damage or injuries,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary in the U.S. “But flooding remains a problem, particularly in New England, and there is a significant response ongoing. It is critical that we provide the base of support for damage assessment teams, rescue personnel and survivors to ensure everyone weathers the fallout from this storm safely.”
Dozens of canteens are on the move throughout the East Coast, heading to shelter locations and in support of roving emergency responders. A sampling of the response so far:
The Salvation Army has already served some 15,000 meals to first responders and evacuees in New Jersey.
Nearly 14,000 meals, snacks and drinks have been served in Greenville, Washington, Elizabeth City and Morehead City in the Carolinas.
In Norfolk and Spotsylvania Counties, VA, The Salvation Army has already served more than 6,400 meals, snacks and drinks and provided lodging to 265 people.
More than 5,000 meals, snacks and drinks have been served at multiple shelter locations throughout Maryland and West Virginia.
In Connecticut, The Salvation Army has served hundreds of meals to evacuees at shelters as well as to first responders.
The Salvation Army is feeding at numerous shelter facilities throughout Massachusetts and other parts of New England
In total, The Salvation Army has 370 canteens and five mobile feeding kitchens along the eastern seaboard. Collectively, these units can provide several hundred thousand meals per day when operating at full capacity. Also, The Salvation Army is standing up a broad range of services, in coordination with local, state and federal governments, including supporting shelter operations and evacuations.
The most critical need right now is for monetary donations, which can be made online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by texting the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone. For more information on The Salvation Army’s preparation and response to Hurricane Irene, please visit
http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/, www.facebook.com/salvationarmyusa or www.twitter.com/salvationarmyus.
Local residents are encourage to contact their local Salvation Army headquarters to find out more information on how to help hurrican victims.
83
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
5 Ways to Help After IreneBy Kara Ohngren29 August 2011The Second ActArticle Link
As crews along the eastern seaboard clean up after Hurricane Irene, thousands of people are seeking shelter and food. In the aftermath, some preliminary estimates put storm-related damages in the billions, and authorities say it may take weeks to restore power in some hard-hit areas.
Since the devastating storm's landfall in North Carolina on Saturday, disaster relief organizations have mobilized to assist people along the East Coast. If you would like to help, here are some key organizations spearheading humanitarian efforts:
1. Salvation Army
This weekend, the Salvation Army provided food for 19,000 people affected by the storm. Currently, the disaster relief organization has 370 mobile feeding units and five mobile kitchens set up along the East Coast.
How to help: Here's the donation information page. You also can contribute by calling 1-800-SAL-ARM, or by texting "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
2. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has already provided shelter to thousands of people displaced from their homes by Hurricane Irene.
How to help: Here's the donation information page. Donate online by clicking here, by calling 1-800 -RED-CROSS, or by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10.
3. AmeriCares
AmeriCares, a Connecticut-based nonprofit that provides emergency disaster relief, has an emergency response team that delivers targeted medicines and supplies to hard-hit areas, along with water shipments.
How to help: Here's the hurricane relief donations page. You can also donate by calling 1-800-486-4357.
4. The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society has sent members of its Animal Rescue Team to provide emergency sheltering assistance and field rescue response along the coastline of North Carolina. The organization also is in contact with local officials to respond to animal needs in other affected states.
How to help: Here's the Hurricane Irene donations page. Donations can also be made by calling 301-258-8276.
5. Direct Relief
Direct Relief has delivered Hurricane Preparation Packs containing medicines and medical supplies to 17 health facilities in four states across the region. The packs contain supplies that
can be used to treat 100 patients suffering from conditions ranging from trauma injuries to chronic illnesses for three to five days.
How to help: Here's the Direct Relief donations page online.
85
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Salvation Army helps those effected by Hurricane Irene.By Merrily McAuliffe29 August 2011WVNS TV Ghent, (West Virginia)Article Link
Princeton Salvation Army members left for Annapolis, Md., providing food and water to those in need. The area was hit with heavy rain and flooding from Hurricane Irene. Lt. Cathy Michels' husband and son are currently in Maryland lending a helping hand. She said after Hurricane Katrina they are prepared for the worst."Everyone got there in place to make sure that people were available when it hit." said Michels. "Everyone was in place and ready to help support them."
Those from our area who went to help the victims are scheduled to return within the next few days. Anyone who is interested in donating to the Salvation Army is encouraged to stop by and give their support.
Perdue vows to pursue 'rapid recovery' from IreneBy Jim HoltMonday29 August 2011Rocky Mount TelegramArticle Link
Gov. Bev Perdue scheduled Rocky Mount as her first stop on the itinerary for a trip that will take her across several Eastern counties to assess damage in the wake of Hurricane Irene and encourage those affected.
Perdue stopped by the American Red Cross shelter at Englewood Baptist Church on Monday to meet a few of the 105 evacuees there, hear their stories and ensure them the state is aggressively pursuing recovery efforts.
“This is an important stop. This is a multi-county shelter that a lot of people were bussed to,” Perdue said. “It’s full of really fabulous volunteers. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are the backbone of the emergency recovery system here. You couldn’t find a better place in the whole world to come if you were in some kind of harm’s way than this shelter.”
Those evacuees and volunteers at the shelter are there because they want to be, she said.
“This shelter will provide some kind of semblance of food, clothing, care and medical attention,” Perdue said. “The people that I talked to in there were actually grateful that they had a place that was safe to stay. They all want to know about what their homes are like, and I would, too, if I didn’t know what my home was like.”
Perdue and her staff are assessing all counties that Irene has affected to determine if the amount of damage warrants a presidential disaster declaration that will bring in recovery funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Perdue said her first priority is “a rapid recovery that is as seamless and fast as possible.”
In a webcast Monday, Perdue said she and her team already have declared seven counties as disaster areas and necessary recipients of funds, including Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties.
“State and federal teams have fanned out all across Eastern North Carolina to assess the damage to homes and businesses,” she said. “By the end of the week, those figures will be in, (and then) we can tell how much federal assistance they will be eligible for.”
The damage to tobacco, soybean, cotton and corn crops as well as infrastructure and homes was of a magnitude that Perdue said she “hasn’t seen in years.”
“This is big, powerful stuff,” Perdue said. “These people are dependent on North Carolina to help them stand up their lives again.”
U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District, accompanied Perdue on her tour of the shelter. He assured displaced residents FEMA funds are standing by.
“For the past four or five days, I’ve been in daily contact with the administrator of FEMA. We’ve been assured that the resources are ready to flow,” Butterfield said. “This is one of the best responses that I’ve ever seen from FEMA. Of course, we learn from each of these disasters, and with each one, the response is better.”
Butterfield said the federal government is waiting for Perdue and her team to formalize their assessment.
“Once that assessment is made, then we will be able to offer support to these communities,” Butterfield said.
Mayor David Combs said the city is waiting for Perdue to make a declaration.
“The funding that we get has to be a declaration from the governor for assistance recovery, particularly with debris in the streets. Right now, we’re estimating $2.5 million and obviously, we don’t have that in our city budget, so we’re looking for federal and state dollars to help offset those costs.”
The assessment is crucial not only to the city, but for individual homeowners trying to recover to have access to those funds as well, he said
88
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Recovery continues, cleanup in full gear29 August 2011The Daily AdvanceArticle Link
Life continued to return to normal for most Pasquotank and Camden residents Monday, as the massive cleanup from Hurricane Irene throttled ahead in full gear.
Pasquotank County Manager Randy Keaton said there was a long line of debris-filled trucks at the county landfill late Monday morning — at least 10-12 trucks lined up to dump loads — but by 12:45 p.m. the line was down to just a couple of trucks and was moving pretty well.
The county brought in four inmates to help unload loads of debris and keep the line moving, he said.
Keaton did not know how many vehicles brought loads of debris Monday, but there were at least 250 on Sunday, when the landfill was open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate post-Irene disposal.
Usually, 80 vehicles enter the landfill on weekdays, Keaton said.
Pasquotank-Camden Emergency Management Coordinator Christy Saunders said Monday that teams are continuing to assess the storm’s impact on houses and businesses. There was at least one report Monday of a mobile home on Liberator Street that had been damaged by a falling tree. No one was injured in the mishap.
Other damage reports continue to come in. At Crystal Enterprises, a BP wholesale distributor on Wilson Street, Irene’s winds blew down the shed provided cover to a fleet of four green-and-white 2,200-gallon trucks, called bobtails.
“I was just sick,” said Tony Abeyounis, president of Crystal Enterprises.
Abeyounis received word of what happened about 8:30 a.m. Saturday from personnel at the adjacent municipal water plant.
Abeyounis’ drivers able to maneuver one bobtail out and intended to also free a second bobtail.
The bobtails are used to deliver fuel from Abeyounis’ bulk tanks to agricultural, commercial and residential customers. He said his drivers had already filled up customers’ tanks before Irene struck.
There are still no reports of any residences in the Pasquotank-Camden area that sustained flood damage in Irene, Saunders said.
Saunders said Joy’s Creek Road in Camden County continues to be flooded, and that some streets in low-lying areas of Elizabeth City continue to remain underwater.
Pasquotank Sheriff Randy Cartwright said he did not know of any impassable roads in the county, though he noted a number of residents are still without power.
Nearly all electric customers in Elizabeth City have had their power restored, but roughly 900 customers in Pasquotank and Camden are still waiting to have their lights turned back on. Dominion Resources, which has customers in both counties, said Monday it expected to have power restored to 95 percent of all its customers in northeastern North Carolina and Virginia affected by the storm by Wednesday. The remainder would have power by Saturday, the company said.
“Overall, we were very lucky,” Cartwright said. “Everything is going as smooth as can be expected.”
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Parks and Recreation Director Bobbi White said Irene had caused the roof in the gym at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center to leak. The damage assessment was continuing Monday.
There were no sewage discharges at Elizabeth City’s main wastewater treatment plant but there was one discharge during the storm at the Charles Creek pump station. The discharge was reported to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Despite Hurricane Irene’s drenching, the stubborn fire in the Great Dismal Swamp continues to smolder.
An interagency team that includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and forestry officials was assessing the fire on Monday, looking for hot spots. Irene soaked the swamp in southeastern Virginia over the weekend with 10 to 15 inches of rain, dousing the most intense fires.
The fire, however, has burned 6-feet-deep in some spots, where organic matter has fed it since an Aug. 4 lightning strike. Nearly 6,400 acres have been scorched by the fire.
Hundreds of firefighters were pulled out of the swamp in advance of Irene. Spokeswoman Catherine Hibbard of the U.S. First and Wildlife Service said two crews totaling 60 people are due back at the swamp on Tuesday.
Gov. Beverly Perdue’s office said Salvation Army mobile canteens will be serving two meals a day to residents in three Hyde County towns hit hard by flooding: Engelhard; Scranton; and Ponzer.
Water and ice is being distributed by local fire departments.
The Salvation Army also has rovers, which are vehicles designed to move from town to town to deliver meals to population centers. In other areas, the volunteer organization N.C. Baptist Men cooks meals and the American Red Cross distributes them. The Baptist Men and the Red Cross are operating mass feeding sites in Manteo, Williamston, Washington and New Bern. They have the capacity to serve 20,000 meals at each location.
Public health officials also released information Monday designed to ensure residents remain safe in Irene’s aftermath.
The tips from Albemarle Regional Health Services include:
• avoiding driving, playing or walking in flooded areas;
• avoiding entering structurally damaged buildings or homes;
• avoiding using generators, grills or other gasoline-powered, propane-powered or charcoal-burning devices inside a home or carport or near doors, windows or vents;
• using bottled water for drinking and cooking if there is a lack of tap water; and
• throwing away refrigerated food if power has been out for more than four hours or if the food has become warmer than 41 degrees.
Meanwhile, ice distributors continue to be busy.
90
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
At Wright Ice & Fuel on Herrington Road, company owner Gene Sawyer said his firm was “playing catch-up with our stores, trying to get people back in ice.”
Demand is particularly great in the Hertford and Edenton areas, Sawyer said.
Area supermarkets said Monday they have adequate stocks of ice to meet the needs of those affected by the storm, particularly those still without power.
“We currently have ice in stock,” Kayla Whaling, a spokeswoman for the Walmart chain, said Monday. “While I can’t anticipate what the demand might be, we are working with our vendors and distribution networks to try to meet the demand of customers.”
Whaling said Walmart has delivered 25 truckloads of ice to the chain’s stores along the coast.
“I know that the Elizabeth City store received a truck this afternoon with two pallets of ice,” she said Monday.
91
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Suffern residents return to mess29 August 2011Lohud.comArticle Link
Frustration and uncertainty about the condition of their homes were building at midday Monday as residents of Suffern's Lonergan Drive waited to be allowed back in after being ordered to evacuate Saturday night during Tropical Storm Irene. / Robert J. Baird/The Journal News
Since Saturday night, when Suffern's Lonergan Drive was evacuated in the early hours of Irene, all residents could do was wait and wonder about the height of the water and the damage it was doing to their lives.
The frustrations were bubbling at noon Monday, when, following a briefing at the Suffern Community Center by Mayor Dagan LaCorte, they had to wait at the entrance to their development while Suffern police checked identification.
Some yelled at Chief Clarke Osborn and other officers, and they were assured it was an effort to restrict access to keep them and their homes safe. That's why there was also a contingent from the Army National Guard's 101st Signal Battalion in Orangeburg.
Volunteers from the Suffern Fire Department were soon pumping out basements along with crews from departments in Congers, Orangeburg, Blauvelt, Tallman, Hillcrest, Monsey and even Piermont and Tappan, where flooding was also an issue. Tappan firefighter Scott Neuendorf said his department pumped 30 or so basements in their hamlet Sunday and more Monday and was happy to help in Suffern. "We had significant flooding," he says, "but this got hit worse."
Salvation Army personnel were close by, passing out chili and pizza and bottles of water to the volunteers and residents. They even had dry socks for pump crews. Maj. Phil Lloyd says they'll be there until they know residents can cook and fend for themselves. "It will be day to day," he says.
Robert and Marichell Santoro were among the first to show ID, and be allowed to take a lonely walk on the deserted street to 54 Lonergan.
Looking down neighbors' driveways along the way, Marichell Santoro was upset by the previews she was seeing. "It really doesn't hit you until you see it." Her husband allowed, "I really don't want to see the house."
Not even inside, he stopped to punch a fence and let his frustration out as he worked his way through mud to their backyard to see the first signs of damage.
Opening the front door minutes later, he saw water still 3 feet up the door to their lower level.
Perdue warns flooding is still a dangerous risk in Eastern N.C.By Bruce Siceloff and John Murawski29 August 2011Charlotte ObserverArticle Link
Gov. Bev Perdue warned today that flooding is still a dangerous risk in parts of Eastern North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Irene, and she said the state would work quickly to reopen N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island.
“Flooding remains a serious concern for a number of areas down east,” Perdue said. “Homes and buildings are at risk along portions of the Northeast Cape Fear and Tar rivers.”
The Tar River is expected to crest Tuesday with minor flooding likely in Tarboro and Greenville. More than 100 homes and structures along the Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw are at risk for flooding today and Tuesday, Perdue’s office said.
Steve Troxler, the state agriculture commissioner, said Hurricane Irene caused hundreds of millions of dollars in crop damage and left some farms devastated.
Troxler toured the state and spoke with affected farmers Sunday but said the extent of the damage and financial loss from high winds and flooding won't be known for at least several weeks. But damage to the $750-million-a-year tobacco crop alone will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, he said.
He noted that the Category 1 hurricane skirted eastern North Carolina just as farmers were preparing to harvest tobacco, corn, cotton and other crops.
"There will be total losses in some areas," Troxler said this morning from his office in downtown Raleigh. "This is going to be a significant agricultural event in the state."
The storm-battered region east of Interstate 95 is the breadbasket of North Carolina's $70 billion-a-year agriculture industry, home to the majority of the state's corn, tobacco, soy, hog and turkey operations.
Most of the damage will be crop destruction, he said, but power outages will also cause poultry deaths at farms that experience failure of emergency backup generators.
Troxler said the state's farmers are typically federally insured for up to 65 percent of their losses. A federal declaration of disaster areas would allow farmers to take advantage of low interest loans to tide them over until next season.
The state Department of Transportation Ferry Division restored some public ferry service along the coast, but ferry access to Ocracoke and Hatteras islands today is limited to emergency responders.
Highway access to the two barrier islands was cut off when Hurricane Irene severed N.C. 12 in a few places on northern Hatteras Island this weekend. DOT opened an emergency ferry route to the island today from a dock at Stumpy Point, on the mainland side of Pamlico Sound.
Fuel trucks, telephone repair crews and DOT road maintenance workers were among the first passengers today for the 15-mile ride from Stumpy Point across Pamlico Sound to the Hatteras Island village of Rodanthe.
Interviewed on Fox News, Perdue noted that N.C. 12 frequently has been damaged in past storms, and it was broken in several places this weekend
“Well it is severely damaged,” Perdue said. “This happened here during Isabel in the early 2000s, and it took us a couple of months to fix it. There was only one breach then, and I flew over it yesterday and there were two that I saw. And I am told this morning there’s three.
“So it will take a while. I don’t know how soon, but we’ve got a whole crew of Department of Transportation people and engineers there as we speak, and we’re trying to talk to the feds about the permits we’ll need,” Perdue said.
In all, DOT said at least 40 roads and bridges were still closed, and others were impassable because of fallen trees and power lines and other storm debris.
More than 1,000 evacuees remained today in 14 shelters, down from a peak of more than 7,500 people in 81 shelters on Saturday. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have served 57,000 meals for evacuees and first responders. Nearly 300,000 homes and businesses are still without electrical power.
President Obama has approved a federal emergency declaration for 34 counties, making additional federal assistance available for Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Halifax, Hyde, Gates, Greene, Hertford, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, New Hanover, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Wayne, Washington and Wilson counties.
Perdue requested additional help with a federal disaster declaration today for seven counties that suffered some of the heaviest damage: Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties.
94
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Hurricane Irene - How You Can Help29 August 2011WQAD.comArticle Link
The Salvation Army and American Red Cross are providing disaster relief to residents of East coast states hit by Hurricane Irene.
Here’s how you can help:
The American Red Cross needs blood donors. Anyone who donates to replenish the Red Cross blood supply through September 7, 2011 will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $500 gas cards.
To donate blood, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment. All blood types are needed.
If you’d rather donate money, donations can be made online at www.redcross.org or by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation from your cell phone. Contributions can also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
The Salvation Army has 370 mobile feeding units and five mobile kitchens set up in various locations up and down the East coast. They're accepting online donations as well - click here.
Donors can also call to contribute at 1-800-725-2769 or by texting the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone.
To mail a check, designate “2011 Hurricane Season” on the memo line and send it to Disaster Gift Processing Center, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301.
Gov. Perdue Surveys Storm Damage for Second Day29 August 2011Eyewitness News 9 (Raleigh, North Carolina)Article Link
Gov. Bev Perdue is spending her second day on the ground and in the air surveying damage that Hurricane Irene inflicted on North Carolina.
“Flooding remains a serious concern for a number of areas down east,” Perdue said Monday. “Homes and buildings are at risk along portions of the Northeast Cape Fear and Tar rivers. We have emergency responders in place to assist with any needs and will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.”
This morning, the governor requested a federal disaster declaration for Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties. Local, state and federal emergency management teams are continuing to assess damage in other areas; more counties may be added later. A federal disaster declaration would clear the way for federal funding and additional resources to help homeowners, renters and business owners repair and rebuild damaged property and replace some personal items.
More than 100 homes and structures along the Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw are at risk for flooding through Tuesday afternoon. The Cashie River has already crested, but continues to pose flooding problems for Windsor. The Tar River is expected to crest Tuesday with minor flooding expected in Tarboro, Greenville and other areas.
Six North Carolinians died as a result of Hurricane Irene; two in Pitt County and one each in Nash, Onslow, Sampson and Wayne counties. Three were killed in motor vehicle crashes, two were killed by falling trees and one suffered a heart attack while preparing for storm.
More than 100 swift water team rescues have been conducted in Eastern North Carolina.
Fourteen shelters remain open, housing more than 1,000 occupants, down from a peak of more than 7,500 people in 81 shelters Saturday. Since Saturday, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have cooked and served more than 57,000 meals for evacuees and first responders. NC Baptist Men begins serving meals today for evacuees in Manteo, New Bern and Williamston.
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for a number of areas. Currituck County residents and property owners are allowed to return, but the area is still closed to visitors. The town of Duck and Hatteras Island are still under evacuation, but residents and visitors can return to all other Dare County communities beginning at noon today. Hertford County still has evacuations for Tunis, Leisure Shores, Cotton Island and Arrow Road communities due to flooding. The mainland of Hyde County is open to resident and essential services only, while Ocracoke residents are expected to be allowed to return Tuesday; the entire county remains closed to visitors.
Nearly 300,000 power outages remain. Utility crews from across the state and other states continue to head down east to help restore power.
Transportation crews have been working around the clock since Saturday to clear and reopen highways. At least 40 roads and bridges remain closed and numerous others are impassable due to fallen trees, downed power lines and storm debris. The N.C. Department of Transportation has nearly 2,000 staff responding to the storm. For the latest road conditions call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel, follow @NCDOT on Twitter or get the NCDOT Mobile, application for your smart phone (m.ncdot.gov).
The state ports in Morehead City and Wilmington reopened today. U.S. Coast Guard crews are assessing the channel at the Morehead City port. Ferry service has resumed on the Southport to Fort Fisher, Cherry Branch to Minnesott Beach, and Currituck to Knotts Island runs. The other ferries are being used for emergency response and relief. Passenger train service has resumed between Raleigh and Charlotte, but interstate passenger trains and freight rail service east of Interstate 95 are cancelled today.
More than 1,800 inmates from Pamlico Correctional Institute in Bayboro, Hyde Correctional Institution in Swan Quarter and Tyrrell Prison Work Farm in Columbia remain evacuated. A prison work crew will begin clearing debris in Hertford this morning.
The N.C. National Guard has 266 soldiers and airmen deployed delivering supplies, carrying rescue teams and conducting damage assessments.
The State Highway Patrol is helping with traffic control as evacuees return home. Troopers have worked more than 230 collisions in eastern North Carolina since Friday night.
President Obama already has approved a federal emergency declaration for 34 counties, approving them for federal financial assistance to help cover the costs of emergency protective measures for local governments. Those counties include: Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Halifax, Hyde, Gates, Greene, Hertford, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, New Hanover, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Wayne, Washington and Wilson.
The governor’s toll-free emergency information bilingual hotline is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. providing callers with information on what to do to begin recovering from the storm. English and Spanish-speaking people should call 1-888-835-9966 . Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may call 711 (Relay N.C.)
For road and travel conditions call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow the N.C. Department of Transportation on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.
For updates on Hurricane Irene recovery efforts, follow North Carolina Emergency Management on Twitter @NCEmergency. Facebook at www.facebook.com/NCEmergencyManagement and on the Crime Control and Public Safety website at www.nccrimecontrol.org.
---Previous Story, Gov. Perdue surveys storm damage Down East---
HARLOW, NC – After a weekend of destruction, Governor Bev Purdue visited the aftermath Sunday and is hoping for a speedy recovery.
9 On Your Side caught up with the Governor in Harlow, Craven County.
There she met with county and local emergency officials.
First they spoke about what the status of damage was in the county and how she and her team could help.
Purdue then went on a tour with them to see firsthand how Craven County was hit.
97
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
“I think the hard part is waiting until this morning to see how bad the damage was and now the long term hard part starts as we try to pick up the pieces and build people’s lives back,” says the Governor.
She says her son was at her home Sunday to check on the damages, but believes they didn’t lose anything, saying though that they did have some downed trees.
--- News Release ---
Governor Perdue's release on the trip
Gov. Bev Perdue will spend much of today assessing the state’s response to Hurricane Irene. The remnants of the Category 1 storm left the state between 3 and 4 a.m.
“Our teams are on the ground from Emergency Management, the National Guard and other state and federal agencies, as well as volunteer organizations,” Perdue said. “We will reach anyone who needs help as quickly as we can. Everyone needs to remember that, while Irene has left North Carolina, there are still very real dangers, such as: downed power lines, rising flood waters and fallen trees.”
Six storm-related deaths have been reported with one each in Nash, Onslow, Sampson and Wayne counties, and two in Pitt County. Swift-water rescue teams have conducted dozens of rescues since late Saturday.
Perdue urged evacuees to continue to follow guidance from local officials for when it is safe to return to their homes.
“We know there are numerous counties with substantial wind damage and flooding,” Perdue said, “and these dangerous conditions are likely to continue throughout the day.”
As of 11:30 a.m, 38 shelters remained housing more than 2,600 evacuees, down from a peak of more than 7,500 people in 81 shelters yesterday. Several of those shelters are accommodating evacuees with pets and some shelters have been opened to help medically fragile people. American Red Cross, North Carolina Baptist Men, Salvation Army and other volunteer groups have cooked more than 19,300 meals for evacuees and first responders.
More than 500,000 power outages remain. Utility crews from across the state, as well as other states, are headed down east to help restore power.
“We have confirmed a major breech on N.C. 12 about five miles north of Rodanthe in Dare County, and several other breeches have been reported on this highway,” Perdue said. “State transportation crews are on the scene, and we will make every effort to restore this vital transportation link as soon as possible.”
The N.C. Department of Transportation is working with federal officials on the matter.
More than 200 roads and 21 bridges are closed in the state including major routes such as:
US 17 in Windsor and US 17 Business in Hertford
US 13 in Snow Hill
US 158 in Gatesville
US 70 in Beaufort
98
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
US 264 near Washington, US 264 ALT in Walstonburg and in Tarboro
NC 12 in Duck, Corolla, Manteo, Hatteras Island and the north end of Ocracoke
NC 53 in Jacksonville
NC 11 in Kinston
NC 41 in Wallace and Beulaville
NC 210 in Sneeds Feery
NC 903 in Beulaville
NC 50 in Burgaw
NC 561 in Halifax
US 301 in Halifax County
State ports remain closed in Morehead City and Wilmington. All ferry routes are expected to resume service today once conditions are determined safe to do so. Airports in eastern North Carolina remain closed. No passenger trains will operate in the state today and there is no freight service east of Interstate 95. Normal operations may resume tomorrow, depending upon decisions by the railroads later today.
The Department of Corrections has relocated more than 1,800 inmates from Pamlico Correctional Institute in Bayboro, Hyde Correctional Institution in Swan Quarter and Tyrrell Prison Work Farm in Columbia.
Essential food, water and other supplies are in warehouses in Tarboro and Badin and distribution points have been established in Hyde and Carteret counties to begin dispensing supplies as needed.
The N.C. National Guard has 441 soldiers and airmen and two helicopters deployed with 2,100 troops and five helicopters on standby to help with storm response and recovery.
The State Highway Patrol has more than 300 troopers working down east to help with traffic control and storm response; more troopers are on standby if needed. Troopers have worked more than 150 collisions in eastern North Carolina since Friday night.
Perdue is expected to request a federal disaster declaration later today once she and state Emergency Management officials have had a chance to see some of the damage. On Thursday, the president approved her request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for 16 counties, authorizing appropriate federal assistance to protect lives, property, public health and safety. On Wednesday, Perdue declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the oncoming hurricane. Local States of Emergency have been declared in 37 eastern and central counties, as well.
The governor’s toll-free emergency information bilingual hotline remains staffed 24 hours a day to providing callers with information about where they can find safe shelter. English and Spanish-speaking people should call 1-888-835-9966 . Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may call 711 (Relay N.C.)
For road and travel conditions call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow the N.C. Department of Transportation on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser
99
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
of your smartphone. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.
For updates on Hurricane Irene response and recovery, follow North Carolina Emergency Management on Twitter @NCEmergency. Facebook at www.facebook.com/NCEmergencyManagement and on the Crime Control and Public Safety website at www.nccrimecontrol.org.
100
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
5 Things You Need to Know Today: Aug. 29By William Mansell29 August 2011Sarasota PatchArticle Link 1. Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann was in Sarasota on Sunday as part of her campaign tour. An estimated crowd of more than 1,700 showed up to listen to her speak. Bachmann's lengthy speech focused on similar messages, cut spending and make President Barack Obama a one-term president. Winner of the Iowa Straw Poll, Bachmann never mentioned any over her Republican competitors on Sunday.
2. Sarasota and the entire state of Florida were lucky last week when Hurricane Irene sidestepped the Sunshine State and headed up the East Coast. Thousands, however, are now without power and many homes and businesses are in danger of flooding waters. You can help our friends in the northeast by donating to the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.
3. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office participated in the 2nd Annual Florida Statewide Drug Turn-In Event this past Saturday. While it was just a one-day event, the Sheriff’s Office has a permanent drop box in the lobby of the Criminal Justice Center, 2071 Ringling Blvd., which is open 24-hours a day.
4. On Wednesday, Sept. 7, a group of first responders and those directly affected by the events of 9/11 will share their personal experiences and stories at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. The event will feature Dan Hoffe, who was on the 61st floor of the South Tower when the North Tower was hit.
5. On Tuesday New College of Florida will be hosting a hearing discussing Florida's redistricting maps. Major redrawing is ahead for Congress, the Senate and the Florida House in the region, to reflect population shifts identified by the 2010 census. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the campus' Sudakoff Center.
How You Can Help Hurricane Irene VictimsBy Sherri Lonon 29 August 2011New Tampa PatchArticle Link
As what’s left of Hurricane Irene continues to batter the Northeast, New Tampa residents may be wondering what they can do to help out.
At this point, cash donations can do the most good, said Janet McGuire, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter.
“Donate to the disaster relief (fund),” she said.
While residents can designate their donations for a specific event, such as Hurricane Irene, she advises against this.
“People don’t understand” if they donate to a specific disaster, the money is locked in for that disaster. That means if something else happens – even in the exact same area a hurricane impacted – the money collected earlier could not be used to assist victims.
“We’ve had a lot of disasters this year,” she pointed out.
McGuire was speaking from Rhode Island where she had been mobilized to help after the storm. The Red Cross sent more than 80 mobile feeding vehicles and trucks into North Carolina earlier this week to provide immediate assistance after the storm.
Hurricane Irene slammed into North Carolina yesterday and has been making its way up the East Coast ever since, causing damage and flooding all along the way. The storm has been blamed for 11 deaths and it is reported that 4.5 million people are without power, according to the Huffington Post.
From an emergency response standpoint, McGuire said Irene, which has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, is going to take some time to recover from.
“(It’s going to be) a very long process,” she said. “It’s not just going to be a wind event. There’s a lot of flooding. We’re talking millions of dollars in damage and people out of their homes for weeks.”
McGuire said more than 27,000 people were in shelters throughout the storm-effected area.
The Red Cross isn’t the only agency mobilized in the Northeast to help victims. The Florida Salvation Army also sent seven mobile canteens into North Carolina to provide post-storm assistance.
“The biggest way people locally can help with the (storm recovery) is to donate funds,” said Dulcinea Cuellar, director of public relations for the Salvation Army of Florida. “When people give monetarily it really helps the Salvation Army pump money back into the local economy. Those funds can be used immediately to help the Salvation Army help others in need.”
Here’s how you can help:
To Donate to the Red Cross
The Red Cross offers a number of different ways people can make financial donations. They include:
Online – Just visit redcross.orgBy phone – Call 1-800-733-2767 By text – Text Redcross to 90999 to donate $10, which will be charged to your cell phone accountBy mail – Send checks made out to the American Red Cross to P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.Volunteers are also needed, McGuire said. Information is available on the agency’s website.
To Donate to the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army also provides donors a number of ways to help:
Online – salvationarmyusa.orgBy phone – 1-800-725-2769 By text – Text the word Storm to 80888 to make a donationBy mail – Send checks made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Designate “2011 Hurricane Season” on all checks.
103
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Flooding, downed trees and power outages hereBy Clayton Stairs29 August 2011Georgetown TimesArticle Link
Hurricane Irene was more practice than a problem for Georgetown County residents and officials, although it did leave behind minor damage including a few downed trees and power lines.
But, compared to the deaths and damage in other states, our area was very fortunate, officials say.
At about 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Irene made its first landfall near Cape Lookout, N.C., with winds of 90 mph.
Irene made its second U.S. landfall at about 8:45 a.m. Sunday near Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey.
The highest wind gust recorded at the Georgetown City Fire Department was 46 mph at 10:13 a.m. Friday, although winds did hit the 40 mph range several times, especially Friday night and early Saturday.
According to estimates from the National Weather Service, most of Georgetown County picked up from one to two inches of rain.
There were some areas — such as near Murrells Inlet and around Pleasant Hill — that received 2.5 inches.
Most of the winds on the Waccamaw Neck — where flooding was a big problem — stayed below 50 mph.
Pawleys Island flooding
While the winds were not major, flooding got so bad on Pawleys Island that the town's police department had to close both causeways to keep anyone — except residents and renters — from entering.
This step was mandated after the storm caused Pawleys Creek to overflow causing water as high as four-feet deep in parts of the southern portion of the island.
There was a report of a downed power line on the island, but crews from Midway Fire and Rescue were unable to get to the home because of the flood waters.
Atlantic Avenue and Waccamaw Drive in Garden City also experienced severe flooding because of Irene.
Bob McCarter, who has lived in Garden City for 15 years, told Georgetown Times news partner WBTW-TV 13 he has never seen the water as high as it was Friday afternoon.
The waters in Pawleys Island and Garden City subsided as the tide fell Friday evening.
Pawleys Mayor Bill Otis said there was also fairly severe beach erosion and scarping of the dunes in the center part of the island.
For a short while Friday, portions of U.S. Highway 17 in the City of Georgetown had to be closed when heavy rain bands from Irene caused flooding.
The storm got scary for some residents in Green Acres Mobile Home Park off of Highway 701.
At about 8:30 p.m. Friday, a tree limb blown off a tree crashed through a window.
Resident Stephanie Quinn said no one was hurt.
The first power outage in Georgetown County was reported at about 1 p.m. Friday in the Kensington and McDonald Road areas.
Maryville residents also lost power during the storm.
Crews from the Georgetown City Electric Department and Santee Electric Cooperative were out restoring the electricity as quickly as possible.
There were still some scattered power outages, especially on the Waccamaw Neck, Saturday morning.
There were scattered trees down that were quickly removed by emergency personnel.
At about 6 p.m. Friday, a tree blocked Wesley Road in Murrells Inlet and a few minutes later another tree was down on Highway 17 about a mile from Brookgreen Gardens in the southbound lanes.
Georgetown County's Emergency Management stayed at Operation Condition 4 (Opcon 4) through the storm, although Midway Fire and Rescue went to Opcon 3 to increase staff to help answer phone calls and help in other areas.
Both agency's resumed normal operations by early Saturday afternoon.
Irene turns deadly
There have been no confirmed storm-related deaths in South Carolina although a woman from Salters in Williamsburg County died in a house fire which occurred during the storm Friday night.
It's unknown if the winds from Irene played a role in starting the fire.
Edith Scott, 55, of 11 Dahlia Loop, is believed to have died as the result of smoke inhalation, according to Williamsburg County Deputy Coroner Vernell Fulton.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and a ruling on the death will be dependent on the fire's cause, Fulton said.
More than 20 deaths were definitely caused by Irene. They include an 11-year-old boy killed in Virginia when a tree crashed through his roof.
In North Carolina a child died in a crash at an intersection where traffic lights were out.
Four other people were killed by falling trees or tree limbs — two in separate Virginia incidents, one in North Carolina and one in Maryland.
A surfer and another beachgoer in Florida were killed in heavy waves.
There were also deaths reported in New Jersey and Connecticut.
105
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army was geared up and ready to help if they were needed in the Carolinas.
The organization has 22 mobile feeding kitchen canteens staged, preparing and serving meals, as well as emotional and spiritual support to sheltered evacuees and first responders.
Mobile feeding canteens are capable of serving over 1,000 meals per day.
As of Sunday afternoon, The Salvation Army has responded to inland North Carolina shelters providing more than 3,000 meals, snacks and drinks, sheltered 192 individuals, engaged 60 volunteers and provided spiritual care and emotional support to nearly 240 individuals.
Throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, Salvation Army officers and resources have been deployed from Washington, D.C., central Virginia and the western part of the Commonwealth to assist the Hampton Roads region with its response to Irene’s touchdown.
At the close of the day on Friday, August 26, The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command and surrounding Salvation Army offices had provided lodging for 137 individuals, provided 254 meals and Salvation Army volunteers had logged nearly 100 hours.
The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Irene to visit www.salvationarmycarolinas.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY ( 1-800-725-2769 ).
Donors may also contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word STORM to 80888, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.”
Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301.
Please designate “Hurricane 2011” on all checks.
106
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
28 August 2011:
How you can help those impacted by Hurricane IreneBy Kelly George28 August 2011Atlanta ExaminerArticle Link
The Atlanta Red Cross has been preparing to help with those affected by Hurricane Irene. Shelters and housing has been coordinated for those displaced, volunteers have traveled to the damaged areas to help and supplies are being collected and distributed.
You can donate directly to your local Atlanta Red Cross chapter or $10 via text message. Text the word REDCROSS to 90999. Donations can also be mailed to local Atlanta Red Cross chapters, or to: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. For more information go to click here
The Atlanta Chapter of the Salvation Army will take donations or text the word"STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation via cell. You can donate online or by call: 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
AmeriCares, is a national group which provides emergency medicine and supplies, accepts donations on its website. Or call: 1-800-486-4357.
Habitat for Humanity, which helps rebuild homes, accepts donations on its website.Feeding America is seeking volunteers to work in food banks. You can also donate money and learn more about volunteering click here.
Operation Blessing provides disaster relief, food, water and medical supplies, and is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Operation USA accepts online donations. You can make a $10 donation by sending a text message with the word AID to 50555 You can call: 1-800-678-7255.
Direct Relief, which provides "Hurricane Preparation Packs" of medicine and medical supplies, is accepting donations on its website. You can call: 805-964-4767.
During disasters the Red Cross blood supply needs to be replenishsed. If you can't donate money, donate your blood. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org/southern where you can find a list of blood donation sites in your area.
How You Can Help Hurricane Irene VictimsBy Sherri Lonon28 August 2011Land o’Lakes PatchArticle Link
As what’s left of Hurricane Irene continues to batter the Northeast, Land O’ Lakes residents may be wondering what they can do to help out.
At this point, cash donations can do the most good, said Janet McGuire, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter.
“Donate to the disaster relief (fund),” she said.
While residents can designate their donations for a specific event, such as Hurricane Irene, she advises against this.
“People don’t understand” if they donate to a specific disaster, the money is locked in for that disaster. That means if something else happens – even in the exact same area a hurricane impacted – the money collected earlier could not be used to assist victims.
“We’ve had a lot of disasters this year,” she pointed out.
McGuire was speaking from Rhode Island where she had been mobilized to help after the storm. The Red Cross sent more than 80 mobile feeding vehicles and trucks into North Carolina earlier this week to provide immediate assistance after the storm.
Hurricane Irene slammed into North Carolina yesterday and has been making its way up the East Coast ever since, causing damage and flooding all along the way. The storm has been blamed for 11 deaths and it is reported that 4.5 million people are without power, according to the Huffington Post.
From an emergency response standpoint, McGuire said Irene, which has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, is going to take some time to recover from.
“(It’s going to be) a very long process,” she said. “It’s not just going to be a wind event. There’s a lot of flooding. We’re talking millions of dollars in damage and people out of their homes for weeks.”
McGuire said more than 27,000 people were in shelters throughout the storm-effected area.
The Red Cross isn’t the only agency mobilized in the Northeast to help victims. The Florida Salvation Army also sent seven mobile canteens into North Carolina to provide post-storm assistance.
“The biggest way people locally can help with the (storm recovery) is to donate funds,” said Dulcinea Cuellar, director of public relations for the Salvation Army of Florida. “When people give monetarily it really helps the Salvation Army pump money back into the local economy. Those funds can be used immediately to help the Salvation Army help others in need.”
Here’s how you can help:
To Donate to the Red Cross
The Red Cross offers a number of different ways people can make financial donations. They include:
Online – Just visit redcross.orgBy phone – Call 1-800-733-2767By text – Text Redcross to 90999 to donate $10, which will be charged to your cell phone accountBy mail – Send checks made out to the American Red Cross to P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.Volunteers are also needed, McGuire said. Information is available on the agency’s website.
To Donate to the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army also provides donors a number of ways to help:
Online – salvationarmyusa.orgBy phone – 1-800-725-2769By text – Text the word Storm to 80888 to make a donationBy mail – Send checks made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Designate “2011 Hurricane Season” on all checks.
109
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Governor Perdue Assessing State's Response To Hurricane IreneBy Teresa Ostuni28 August 2011WFMY NewsArticle Link
Gov. Bev Perdue will spend much of today assessing the state's response to Hurricane Irene. The remnants of the Category 1 storm left the state between 3 and 4 a.m.
"Our teams are on the ground from Emergency Management, the National Guard and other state and federal agencies, as well as volunteer organizations," Perdue said. "We will reach anyone who needs help as quickly as we can. Everyone needs to remember that, while Irene has left North Carolina, there are still very real dangers, such as: downed power lines, rising flood waters and fallen trees."
Six storm-related deaths have been reported with one each in Nash, Onslow, Sampson and Wayne counties, and two in Pitt County. Swift-water rescue teams have conducted dozens of rescues since late yesterday.
"We know there are numerous counties with substantial wind damage and flooding," Perdue said, "and these dangerous conditions are likely to continue throughout the day."
As of 11:30 a.m, 38 shelters remained housing more than 2,600 evacuees, down from a peak of more than 7,500 people in 81 shelters yesterday. Several of those shelters are accommodating evacuees with pets and some shelters have been opened to help medically fragile people. American Red Cross, North Carolina Baptist Men, Salvation Army and other volunteer groups have cooked more than 19,300 meals for evacuees and first responders.
More than 500,000 power outages remain. Utility crews from across the state, as well as other states, are headed down east to help restore power.
"We have confirmed a major breech on N.C. 12 about five miles north of Rodanthe in Dare County, and several other breeches have been reported on this highway," Perdue said. "State transportation crews are on the scene, and we will make every effort to restore this vital transportation link as soon as possible."
More than 200 roads and 21 bridges are closed in the state including major routes such as:
US 17 in Windsor and US 17 Business in Hertford US 13 in Snow Hill US 158 in Gatesville US 70 in Beaufort US 264 near Washington, US 264 ALT in Walstonburg and in Tarboro NC 12 in Duck, Corolla, Manteo, Hatteras Island and the north end of Ocracoke NC 53 in Jacksonville NC 11 in Kinston NC 41 in Wallace and Beulaville NC 210 in Sneeds Feery and NC 903 in Beulaville NC 50 in Burgaw NC 561 in Halifax US 301 in Halifax County
State ports remain closed in Morehead City and Wilmington. All ferry routes are expected to resume service today once conditions are determined safe to do so. Airports in eastern North Carolina remain closed. No passenger trains will operate in the state today and there is no freight
service east of Interstate 95. Normal operations may resume tomorrow, depending upon decisions by the railroads later today.
The Department of Corrections has relocated more than 1,800 inmates from Pamlico Correctional Institute in Bayboro, Hyde Correctional Institution in Swan Quarter and Tyrrell Prison Work Farm in Columbia.
Essential food, water and other supplies are in warehouses in Tarboro and Badin and distribution points have been established in Hyde and Carteret counties to begin dispensing supplies as needed.
The N.C. National Guard has 441 soldiers and airmen and two helicopters deployed with 2,100 troops and five helicopters on standby to help with storm response and recovery.
The State Highway Patrol has more than 300 troopers working down east to help with traffic control and storm response; more troopers are on standby if needed. Troopers have worked more than 150 collisions in eastern North Carolina since Friday night.
Gov. Perdue is expected to request a federal disaster declaration later today once she and state Emergency Management officials have had a chance to see some of the damage.
On Thursday, the president approved her request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for 16 counties, authorizing appropriate federal assistance to protect lives, property, public health and safety.
On Wednesday, Perdue declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the oncoming hurricane. Local States of Emergency have been declared in 37 eastern and central counties, as well.
The governor's toll-free emergency information bilingual hotline remains staffed 24 hours a day to providing callers with information about where they can find safe shelter. English and Spanish-speaking people should call 1-888-835-9966. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may call 711 (Relay N.C.)
For road and travel conditions call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow the N.C. Department of Transportation on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type "m.ncdot.gov" into the browser of your smartphone. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.
For updates on Hurricane Irene response and recovery, follow North Carolina Emergency Management on Twitter @NCEmergency. Facebook at www.facebook.com/NCEmergencyManagement and on the Crime Control and Public Safety website at www.nccrimecontrol.org.
111
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Hurricane Irene Evacuees Head to Holmdel High SchoolBy Christina Johnson 27 August 2011Middletown PatchArticle Link
At 8 p.m. Saturday, there were 458 people assigned to the 650 cots available at Holmdel High School emergency storm center, according to Monmouth County health official Michael DeAngelo.
And once the beds are all taken, Office of Emergency Management Director Mike Simpson said that visitors will be invited to take a seat in the auditorium for the night.
"We are not going to send anyone home," he said in an interview around 6 p.m. Saturday night. "We're not closed. We don't close."
Since Friday night, the doors of Holmdel High School were opening every few minutes, as singles and small groups of worried-looking Bayshore residents heeded mandatory evacuation orders and reported to shelter ahead of Hurricane Irene.
Holmdel was one of the Red Cross's three Monmouth County shelters, staffed in a large part by municipal volunteers. The others were in Wall Township and Colts Neck.
A Red Cross volunteer welcomed them at a lunchtable, and took information on a form. Caged pets were directed to the Chorale Room, where they could be housed away from the din. The guests were shown orderly rows of cots set up in the two gymnasiums, waiting to be claimed.
Some were apprehensive by the noise and the overwhelming numbers of strangers. Linda O'Carroll, 20, of Union Beach, dragging on a cigarette outside the Salvation Army Truck at the entrance, vowed not to close her eyes. "I don't want to sleep next to other people," she said. She said she had to come to the shelter to accompany her mother, who was recovering from back surgery.
Holmdel High School was chosen by emergency coordinators because it is on high ground, has a generator in case power fails, and can potentially accommodate 1500 people said Township Business Administrator Ray Wilson. Since 5 p.m. Friday night, dozens of uniformed officials, medical personnel and helpers were doing their best to make it better for their guests who heeded evacuation orders.
The organizers were caught a little off guard as the first guests arrived quickly -- Keansburg residents evacuated at 3 p.m. -- but by Saturday everything was going more smoothly.
"We've had storms, of course, but we've never run a shelter before," said Wilson.
At lunchtime, local volunteers helping the Salvation Army served up a hot lunch of hot dogs, chocolate chip cookies and Kool-Aid. They had prepared for 200, but had to adjust quickly to serve more than 400 meals. Rusty Eidmann-Hicks, the pastor of the Holmdel Community Church, and his family were among the servers. Dinner would be hamburgers. The volunteers struggled to fix food for diabetics and at least one vegetarian.
Adults chatted while they ate and watched Channel 7 news on the loud, large screen TV. Children dashed between wheelchairs, playing tag. Two girls had set up an iPod and played cards. Another made sketches on white paper.
Down the hall, Holmdel Township School District Director of Operations Jody Karcher had volunteered to oversee the pet room - a quiet refuge in the Chorale room. "It's my building," she
said, by way of explanation. "The people in here are fabulous. They are really trying to do the best they can in the situation." By 3 p.m., she had taken in 14 cats, 5 parakeets, 10 dogs and one crab. Nearly all of the animals were in cages or zipped up baby strollers. Some of the cats were too skittish and had been placed in other office spaces. Owners had to knock on the locked doors to visit their pets. They hugged their pets, and walked them in the back of the building.
SPCA Chief of Police Victor "Buddy" Amato arrived with uniformed members of the SPCA Humane Police in an army vehicle to drop off pet food. He was concerned that the schools would have to start turning away pets. "We have an overflow shelter at 119 Dutch Lane Road, in Freehold," he said. But owners would have to drive
113
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
27 August 2011
Emergency Shelter Ready at Eastern TechBy Ron Snyder27 August 2011Dundalk PatchArticle Link
Just one person had checked into the emergency shelter at Eastern Technical High School as of 2 p.m. on Saturday.
But the 30 or so shelter workers and volunteers said they expected much more activity once Hurricane Irene fully hits the region later in the day.
“The sooner the people can get here, the better,” said Dorian Clark, shelter commander with Baltimore County Department of Social Services. “If you are in a low-lying area, are vulnerable and/or require electricity for health or other concerns and have no other place to go, (you) should come here.”
Along with the Department of Social Services, those stationed at Eastern Tech include members of the Salvation Army, the Red Cross and the Baltimore County Department of Animal Control.
The Salvation Army is set up in the school’s cafeteria and is ready to serve meals to anyone at the shelter. The Red Cross is providing cots and toiletries. Animal Control is ready to take care of pets.
“We’re in wait-and-see mode right now,” said Peggy Vick, director of social services for the Salvation Army in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. “We fully expect more people to come out later tonight as people lose power and grow concerned about when they might get it back.”
Maj. Barry Corbitt, the Baltimore area commander for the Salvation Army, said the Salvation Army's mission at the shelter and throughout the region is likely to change depending on the damage caused by Irene.
“We will feed people as long as we are needed,” Corbitt said. “There will obviously be a lot of re-assessment along the way once the storm passes.”
Darlene Connors, a shelter attendant with the Baltimore County Department of Animal Control, said she is ready to handle all kinds of pets. There are already cages set out for dogs and cats in the air-conditioned construction room.
In addition, the shelter is able to take in small animals, such as rabbits and even snakes—as long as they come in their own aquarium.
“We have food and water here for your pets,” Connors said. “Please make sure to bring any medication ... or special food that your pet may need as we only have the basics here.”
Clark, the shelter commander, said those stationed at Eastern Tech are prepared to handle any situation as most of the workers participated in a disaster drill at the school this past spring.
Eastern Tech is also equipped with a backup generator in case the school loses power. A trailer from FEMA is filled with a variety of supplies as well.
“This is what we trained for,” Clark said. “Now we’re ready for the real thing.”
Salvation Army sends aid to NC, Irene advances northBy Brooke Spivey27 August 2011WMBF TV (Horry County, South Carolina)Article Link
The Salvation Army of Horry County are deploying a mobile feeding unit to Greenville, NC this afternoon to feed those affected by Hurricane Irene.
The disaster canteen will provide meals to displaced families and emergency crews.
"Right now we are prepared to serve around 1,000 meals a day," said Captain Bret McElroy of The Salvation Army of Horry County. "Once our team arrives on location and the need is assessed The Salvation Army will send additional supplies to service the area they working," McElroy said.
The Salvation Army currently has 23 mobile feeding units deployed along the East coast.
In addition to providing meals, crews with local energy companies are working hard to restore power to those in Irene's path finding themselves in the dark today.
As of 1 p.m. Saturday, approximately 272,300 Progress Energy customers in North Carolina are without power in at least fourteen coastal and eastern counties. Crews are actively working to restore power to these customers today.
And the brunt of Irene is still being felt in our neighboring state.
The Weather Channel predicts the Outer Banks of North Carolina will be feeling the worst conditions through Saturday evening, with five to ten inches of rain and severe beach erosion.
The worst tropical conditions in Norfolk, Virginia will continue until late Saturday night with six to ten inches of rain, severe beach erosion and wind peaks as high as 80 mph.
The worst conditions in New York City are expected Saturday evening until Sunday evening with four to eight foot storm surge possible, peak wind speeds between 55 and 75 mph, and six to twelve inches of rain.
Watch WMBF News at 6 for the latest details on Irene.
FEMA says ready to hit the ground as after Irene passesBy Todd Allen Wilson27 August 2011Dailypress.comArticle Link
Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate said Saturday morning his agency is ready to respond immediately as Hurricane Irene passes through affected communities.
""We're going to start the response phase in North Carolina as Irene moves north," said Fugate in a press conference with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and representatives from the National Hurricane Center, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. "The best thing people can do is stay home, stay inside."
Secretary Napolitano said FEMA has been in touch with state governors and there have been no gaps in service or unmet needs in requests coming in from those governors in response to a question regarding problems with FEMA's slow response following Tropical Storm Isabel in 2003.
"But again, we're really at the beginning of this storm response," Napolitano said. "We're just basically at the end of the preparation stage, and we're not yet into response and recovery. So, we'll work with the states as they do their assessments to see what damages the storm has caused in their areas."
Text NEWS to 71593 for headlines from the Daily Press. Click here for other text alerts.
Fugate said FEMA has moved resources in to be ready to respond but won't be sure what is needed until it gets feedback on damage from state officials.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said in a simultaneous press conference that 40 FEMA officials are already on the ground in Richmond.
Central Florida ready to help victims of Hurricane IreneBy Margaret Kavanagh27 August 2011Cfnews13.com (Orlando, Florida)Article Link
People from around Central Florida have already sprung into action to help the people effected by Hurricane Irene.
A Salvation Army truck is packed with food right and is headed to North Carolina.
Leaders with the Salvation Army said they were put on stand by Friday night, then told they needed to get on the road and help these people.
They say helping is what they are here to do.
"I can't explain the feeling that I have. You might call it boosting or bragging, but I can tell you story after story of the things I have seen," said volunteer Bill Sweet.
Officials with the Salvation Army said there's enough food to feed people for three days.They will be going to a staging area in Denton, North Carolina in preparation for feeding the hurricane victims.
Progress Energy Florida is sending 250 line and service personnel from across its 35-county territory to assist with power lines and deal with power outages.
They are obviously anticipating damage and power outages from this intense hurricane.
Tranquility returns after Irene passes27 August 2011Georgetown Times (Georgetown County, South Carolina)Article Link
This view from Pawleys Island was taken Saturday morning and shows the weather much more tranquil than Friday and even earlier in the day.
Irene battered Georgetown County beaches but caused no major damage. Photo provided by Ginger Jackson. By 9 a.m. Saturday, things were pretty much back to normal in Georgetown County.
Hurricane Irene passed by the area early Saturday morning leaving behind a few downed trees and causing some scattered power outages.
But, compared to the damage the storm could have caused, the area was very fortunate.
At 7:30 a.m., Irene made landfall near Cape Lookout, N.C.
It had winds of 90 mph.
The highest wind gust recorded at the Georgetown City Fire Department was 46 mph at 10:13 a.m. Friday although winds did hit the 40 mph range several times, especially Friday night and early Saturday.
According to estimates from the National Weather Service, as of 6 a.m. Saturday, most of Georgetown County picked up one-two inches of rain. There were some areas — such as near Murrells Inlet and around Pleasant Hill — that received 2.5 inches.
Most of the winds on the Waccamaw Neck — where flooding was a big problem — stayed below 50 mph.
It got so bad on Pawleys Island, the town's police department had to close both causeways to keep anyone — except residents and renters — from entering.
This step was mandated after the storm caused Pawleys Creek to overflow causing water as high as four-feet deep in parts of the southern portion of the island.
There was a report of a downed power line on the island but crews from Midway Fire and Rescue were unable to get to the home because of the flood waters.
Atlantic Ave. and Waccamaw Drive in Garden City also experienced severe flooding because of Irene.
Bob McCarter, who has lived in Garden City for 15 years, told Georgetown Times news partner WBTW-TV 13 he has never seen the water as high as it was Friday afternoon.
The waters in Pawleys Island and Garden City subsided as the tide fell Friday evening.
For a short while Friday, portions of Highway 17 in the City of Georgetown had to be closed when heavy rain bands from Irene caused flooding.
The storm got scary for some residents in Green Acres Mobile Home Park off of Highway 701.
At about 8:30 p.m. Friday, a tree limb blown off a tree crashed through a window. Resident Stephanie Quinn said no one was hurt.
The first power outage in Georgetown County was reported at about 1 p.m. Friday in the Kensington and McDonald Road areas.
Maryville residents also lost power during the storm.
Crews from the Georgetown City Electric Department and Santee Electric Cooperative were out restoring the electricity as quickly as possible.
There were still some scattered power outages, especially on the Waccamaw Neck, Saturday morning.
There were scattered trees down that were quickly removed by emergency personnel.
At about 6 p.m. Friday, a tree blocked Wesley Road in Murrells Inlet and a few minutes later another tree was down on Highway 17 about a mile from Brookgreen Gardens in the southbound lanes.
Georgetown County's Emergency Management stayed at Operation Condition 4 (Opcon 4) through the storm although Midway Fire and Rescue went to Opcon 3 to increase staff in order to help answer phone calls and help in other areas.
Headed north
After Irene passes eastern North Carolina, the storm is expected to take aim at the highly populated Northeastern states.
Hurricane warnings are in effect from North Carolina up the East Coast.
Evacuation orders covered at least 2.3 million people, including 1 million in New Jersey, 315,000 in Maryland, 300,000 in North Carolina, 200,000 in Virginia and 100,000 in Delaware.
Salvation Army
The North and South Carolina Division of The Salvation Army was ready to assist residents and visitors in Georgetown County if Irene had caused damage to the area. The organization increased its fleet of staged and standby mobile feeding kitchen canteens to 23 units, an increase of 7 units from Thursday.
The focus will now shift to North Carolina and points north as Irene continues its trek.
Additional Salvation Army mobile feeding canteens and teams from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee are being relocated to inland areas of the east coast, including the Carolinas and Virginia in anticipation of impacts along the mid-Atlantic coast.
Further north in VA, The Salvation Army has 4 canteens traveling to southside Hampton Roads to assist with relief efforts. Canteens are also positioned in Hampton and Williamsburg to assist with response in those respective communities. In southside Hampton Roads effective Friday evening, the Army will move its men’s shelter from the low-lying area in downtown Norfolk to the Norfolk Corps Community Center near Virginia Beach Boulevard.
Mobile kitchen canteen units are capable of serving approximately 1,000 meals per day. At maximum deployment, Salvation Army mobile kitchen feeding canteens within North and South Carolina can feed in excess of 40,000 meals per day.
119
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Irene draws near North Carolina coastBy Suzette Poter27 August 2011Tampa Bay NewspapersArticle Link
Hurricane warnings are in effect from North Carolina to Massachusetts Saturday morning as officials scramble to prepare for the arrival of Category 1 Hurricane Irene.
Irene was about 60 miles south of Cape Lookout N.C. around 3 a.m. Irene was showing slight weakening. Maximum sustained winds were down to 90 mph with higher gusts and the hurricane was downgraded to a Category 1. The National Hurricane Center said sustained winds of 50 mph with a gust to 63 mph had been recorded at a buoy in Onslow Bay.
The NHC said the core of Irene would pass over the coast of North Carolina as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane this morning and move near or over the Mid-Atlantic Coast Saturday night before moving over Southern New England on Sunday. Forecasters say Irene will likely remain a tropical storm until it is over Maine or southeastern Canada.
Forecasters expect little change in strength before Irene reaches the North Carolina coast. Irene is expected to remain a hurricane as it moves along the Mid-Atlantic Coast on Sunday.
Hurricane force winds extended outward up to 90 miles and tropical storm force winds extended outward 290 miles.
Hurricane warnings were in effect from Little River Inlet, N.C., northward to Sagamore Beach, Mass., including the Pamlico, Albemarle, Currituck Sounds, Delaware Bay, and Chesapeake Bay south of Drum Point, New York City, Long Island, Long Island Sound, Coastal Connecticut, Rhode Island, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for north of Edisto Beach, S.C., to Little River Inlet, Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point northward, tidal Potomac and north of Sagamore Beach to Merrimack River.
A tropical storm watch was in effect from Merrimack River to Eastport, Maine.
Response mobilizing
Officials say Irene is the largest hurricane to hit the East Coast in more than 70 years. The federal government is moving supplies and equipment and other organizations are preparing to respond. President Barack Obama declared emergencies for New York, Virginia and Massachusetts.
Seven Salvation Army mobile canteens (kitchens on wheels) from Florida traveled to North Carolina Saturday morning. Officials said teams from Florida (Orlando, Citrus County, Clay County, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Panama City and Jacksonville) would stage in Charlotte until the storm passes. Once Irene passes, canteens could be assigned to North Carolina, Virginia or Maryland.
Along with the mobile feeding units, a Salvation Army satellite communications truck also is traveling from Tampa to Charlotte.
The Salvation Army of Florida field kitchen – capable of feeding up to 20,000 meals a day – is also on stand-by to travel to North Carolina.
The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Irene to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). Donors may also
contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word “Storm” to 80888, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.” Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Designate “2011 Hurricane Season” on all checks.
The American Red Cross is opening shelters as evacuation orders go into effect. More than 200 Red Cross mobile feeding vehicles are heading towards the coast.
People can find open Red Cross shelters by viewing an interactive Google map at www.redcross.org or by downloading the free Red Cross shelter app for their iPhone from the iTunes store. A mobile-friendly version of the Hurricane Safety Checklist is now available for smart phone users to download at www.redcross.org/mobile.
Red Cross officials said Hurricane Irene has caused significant damage in the southern Bahamas and the Bahamas. Red Cross is managing shelters and helping people displaced by the storm.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers as flooding, damage to homes and impassable roads are left in the storm’s wake. The United Nations is reporting hundreds of homes have been damaged and it is difficult to communicate with many localities.
People can donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Officials with Florida’s Division of Emergency Management warned residents and visitors along the northeast coast to beware of heavy surf and rip tides throughout the weekend. Officials also said hot temperature and tropical moisture would result in dangerously high heat indexes statewide.
Season summary
The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1. Tropical Storm Arlene formed June 29 and made landfall June 30 along the coast of Mexico.
Tropical Storm Bret formed July 17 off the east coast of Florida. The storm never came close to land, tracking north and east before disintegrating over the Atlantic Ocean July 22.
Tropical Storm Cindy formed July 20 well offshore in the eastern Atlantic and was never a threat to land. It became a post-tropical storm on July 23.
Tropical Storm Don formed July 27 about 190 miles north of Cozumel Mexico. It fell apart as it came ashore the coast of Texas near Baffin Bay July 29.
Emily, the fifth named storm of the season, formed Aug. 1 about 50 miles west-southwest of Dominica. The storm degenerated into a tropical low Aug. 4.
Tropical Storm Franklin formed about 460 miles north-northeast of Bermuda early in the morning of Aug. 13. By end of day, the NHC announced it had lost its tropical characteristics. It was never a threat to land, remaining over the northern Atlantic Ocean.
Tropical Storm Gert formed Aug. 14 about 275 miles south-southeast of Bermuda. Two days later, Gert had degenerated into a post-tropical low.
Tropical storm Harvey formed Friday, Aug. 19, about 285 miles east-southeast of Belize City and made landfall near Dangriga Town Belize on Saturday afternoon. Maximum sustained winds were 40 mph.
Irene is the ninth named storm of the season, the first hurricane and the first major hurricane.
121
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Experts predict busy season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration held a press briefing Aug. 4 where officials announced that the forecast actually increased the number of expected named storms as compared to predictions made in May.
NOAA says 14 to 19 named storms could form with seven to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five strengthening into major hurricanes, Category 3, 4 or 5.
The long-term seasonal average is 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
“The atmosphere and Atlantic Ocean are primed for high hurricane activity during August through October,” Dr. Gerry Bell, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said. “Storms through October will form more frequently and become more intense than we’ve seen so far this season.”
Nine named storms have formed since the beginning of hurricane season June 1. Only one has strengthened into a hurricane. Hurricane season ends officially on Nov. 30.
Dr. William Gray, professor emeritus at the Colorado State University, and Dr. Phil Klotzbach, CSU research scientist, updated their season forecast on Aug. 3. They say residents living in coastal areas should prepare for 16 named storms, nine hurricanes and as many as five major hurricanes.
Steve Woodard, FEMA deputy director for response, said the public needed to prepare and be ready for any disaster, including a hurricane.
“We’ve been lucky recently,” he said. “But that’s no reason to be complacent.”
122
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Hurricane Irene: How Citizens Can HelpBy Paul Mallasch27 August 2011Muncie Free PressArticle Link
While many people on the east coast are hunkered in and hoping for the best while being prepared for the worst, there are ways for citizens across the country to help no matter where they are physically.
You can donate to the the Red Cross relief efforts by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, sending contributions to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013 or donating online. Red Cross centers are always looking for blood donations as well.
Additionally, the Salvation Army will be providing food and drinks as well as spiritual and emotional care to emergency responders and residents between the Carolinas and New England. According to the organization's website, an Incident Command Team has been established in Charlotte, NC and will deploy to the Carolina coast once the storm passes. To contribute to the Salvation Army's relief efforts, text "STORM" to 80888 to make a one-time $10 donation or contribute online.
Other Hurricane Irene Donations Being Accepted
AmeriCares is accepting donations to provide emergency medicines and supplies, with immediate shipment possible. The organization specializes in wound care medicines and supplies, water, and other storm-relief items.
Operation Blessing provides relief to disaster victims worldwide. The organization is accepting donations to respond with emergency food, water and other relief supplies for people impacted by Hurricane Irene.
To help Feed the Children help those in need, consider making an online donation.FBI Issues Warnings About Hurricane Irene Charity Scams
The FBI offers some excellent tips to protect yourself against charity scammers:
Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail.
Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization’s website rather than following an alleged link to the site.
Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.
Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
If you believe you have been a victim of a charity related scheme, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud by
telephone at (866) 720-5721,fax at (225) 334-4707, ore-mail at [email protected]
124
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
26 August 2011:
Disaster response for Carolina coast being coordinated in DeKalbBy Mike Morris and John Spink 26 August 2011The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionArticle Link
Hurricane Irene hasn’t downed the first tree or flooded a single street on the U.S. mainland yet, but dozens of disaster response coordinators were already hunkered down Friday morning at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Regional Response Coordinating Center in DeKalb County.
Center director George Yearwood said the facility, in an office building on Chamblee Tucker Road, went into “Phase 1” activation three days ago, with over 100 personnel on each of two 12-hour shifts representing the military, other federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation and civilian relief organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Vic Jones is on the Hurricane Liaison Team at the center. He said his job was to “try to advise these folks who are prestaging people and equipment and food, to help them determine where is a safe place to put your people and your assets so it won’t be damaged by the storm.”
The center, which handles the federal response to disasters in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and the Carolinas, has already dispatched supplies and support personnel to North Carolina, where Irene is expected to make landfall around midday on Saturday.
“We have to be prepared because the wind will approach before landfall and it becomes a dangerous situation to move people,” Yearwood told the AJC. “We want to get support into place 48 hours before.”
Jones said problems could begin along the North Carolina coast well ahead of landfall, and continue for some time.
“It’s a big storm with a lot of wind, but it’s going to have a lot of rain associated with it,” Jones said. “When you have a lot of rain over a period of time, it causes a lot of problems.”
Salvation Army moving men's shelter as Irene approachesCindy ClaytonMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News26 August 2011
The Salvation Army announced today that it will move its Hampton Roads men's shelter to another location for the storm.
The shelter will move this evening from a low-lying area of Norfolk to the Norfolk Corps Community Center near Virginia Beach Boulevard.
The organization said today that it has four canteens heading to South Hampton Roads, with canteens already positioned in Hampton and Williamsburg to help with disaster response. The canteens can serve 1,000 meals a day, a news release says. They provide materials and assist with emotional and spiritual support.
The Salvation Army also is preparing its disaster assistance services in North Carolina and is coordinating with emergency management officials in both states.
Additional assets are being assembled west of Interstate 95 to help in northern and central areas of the state along with North Carolina.
For more information on the Salvation Army's efforts and preparedness tips, visit the organization's website, www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/.
IRENE: Shelters welcome evacuees, their pets (Update)By Cheryl Burke26 August 2011Carteret Times (NC)
NEWPORT -- By 8:30 p.m. Friday, there were 223 people and 40 animals registered at the four emergency shelters set up in Carteret County for Hurricane Irene. Managers at the four shelters, Newport Middle, West Carteret, Beaufort Elementary and Atlantic schools, said things were going smoothly and those at the shelter were being patient.
The Salvation Army had personnel at Newport Middle, West Carteret and Beaufort Elementary to serve a light supper, with plans to serve three meals Saturday.
Major Rick Raymer, the Divisional Secretary for Programs with the Salvation Army in Charlotte was on hand at West Carteret to support the relief efforts. He said Salvation Army units from Waynesville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City would be on site to serve meals, with other units waiting to come into the county to assist with relief efforts.
Most of those staying at West Carteret High School came from mobile homes. Others were just concerned about high winds, such as Debra Jones of Morehead City. Ms. Jones said she had stayed in a mobile home during Hurricane Dennis, and a tree fell through the roof in her kitchen.
"That scared me and I said I'd never stay at home again during a hurricane."
NEWPORT — James Killough lived on Emerald Isle during Hurricane Bonnie and said he never wanted to experience anything like that again.
“When that was over, we moved off the island,” he said Friday as he checked into an American Red Cross shelter set up at Newport Middle School to ride out Hurricane Irene. “We live in a mobile home here in Newport and that’s why we’re here. I’m a little worried about this storm.” Mr. Killough and his girlfriend Sharon Corley checked in with their dog Mason. Newport Middle School is serving as a pet friendly shelter.
“We wouldn’t leave if he (Mason) could not come with us,” said Ms. Corley.
Shelters opened at Newport Middle, West Carteret High School and Beaufort Elementary School at 1 p.m. Friday. A fourth shelter, operated by Sea Level Fire and Rescue Squad, was set to open at 7 p.m.
The Newport Middle School shelter is operated by the American Red Cross, with assistance from the County Department of Social Services. Workers from DSS were also operating the shelters at West Carteret and Beaufort Elementary.
By 2:30 p.m. Friday there were already 31 families checked in at the three shelters, and 10 pets were registered at the pet friendly shelter, which is being managed by the Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (PAWS) of Carteret County.
Cindy Thompson, PAWS volunteer overseeing the pets, said she also had 122 pets pre-registered by families who had not yet shown up.
Ms. Thompson said they would take walk-ins throughout the hurricane, but there were certain things that pet owners should bring.
“We need a rabies vaccine verification, and owners need to bring their pet’s food and medicines,” she said.
127
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Pets, which can be dogs, cats or birds, should also be in carriers if possible. Pet owners must be staying at the shelter with their pets. Animals will be kept in one section of the building, with people staying in a separate section.
One person from each family is allowed to feed and take their dog out on a leash to use the restroom. They must be responsible to pick up their dog’s waste.
Theresa Allen, American Red Cross manager at Newport Middle School, said those coming to the shelter should come with bedding, medications and food.
The Salvation Army is scheduled to serve meals at West Carteret and Newport Middle School as long as the weather allows. They were set to serve a light meal about 5 p.m. Friday, and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday.
But Ms. Allen said it was still a good idea for people to bring their own food incase weather prohibits the Salvation Army from getting to the shelters on Saturday.
At West Carteret High School, shelter manager Kay Huffman said people were already waiting in the parking lot to check in at 11 a.m.
“We couldn’t let them in because we weren’t ready for them,” she said. “But people have been very patient.”
At Beaufort Elementary School, shelter manager Paula Taylor said people should come prepared to rough it.
“They truly have to be like they’re going on a camping trip,” she said. “We’ll do everything we can, but they need to be prepared.”
Those checking in at shelters said they appreciated having a safe place to go, especially those with pets.
“It means a lot to me,” said Irene Brown of Newport. “I think it’s real nice that they have a shelter for us.”
Ms. Brown said she had large trees around her home and didn’t feel secure staying there with her beagle Maggie.
Many at the shelters were coming from mobile homes or flood prone areas, such as Dapne Olds of North River.
“It’s a flood prone area and we were flooded out during Floyd,” she said as she and her 5-month-old daughter Makayla checked in.
128
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Area Salvation Army crews head to the coastBy Scott Sexton, Winston-Salem Journal, N.C. McClatchy-Tribune Regional News26 August 2011
Aug. 26--Robert Long had a memorable day Thursday.
He dropped off his 5-year-old son, Austin, for his first day of kindergarten in the morning. And as soon as he got to work, Long, a lieutenant with the Winston-Salem Salvation Army, learned he'd be taking off for Morehead City with one of the army's mobile canteens to provide relief for hurricane evacuees.
"My wife already told him it'd be like when I go to camp every year, just longer," Long said Thursday afternoon as he made final preparations to the mobile food-service van he'll drive down this morning.
The Winston-Salem chapter is one of 12 North Carolina outfits fanning out along the North Carolina coast today. Long and two others will staff the van and shuttle it between two schools in Morehead City. The chapter from Greensboro is scheduled to go to Elizabeth City.
"With the threat of Hurricane Irene bearing down on the Carolina coast, the Salvation Army is taking every precaution necessary to ready equipment and supplies to provide emergency relief services as needed to anyone who may be impacted by the storm," said Maj. Kent Davis, area commander for the Salvation Army in Winston-Salem.
The Salvation Army has 30 canteens in the state.
"We're scheduled to be there for up to 14 days. If we need to be there longer, some of the other canteens will come down to rotate in," Long said.
The Salvation Army mobile food units are stocked with enough food to provide up to 1,500 meals a day. The food isn't fancy -- peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, beef stew, rice, mixed fruit cups, crackers and water -- but will go a long way to helping evacuees and possibly those displaced by Irene.
The Winston-Salem chapter, Long said, was notified earlier this week to be ready to go, so hearing the news was neither a shock nor something to be nervous about.
"It's what we're called to do," Long said. "I haven't even heard about how (Austin's) first day at school was. I'm more nervous about that than anything."
129
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
Mississippians Help With Hurricane Relief26 August 2011WAPT 16 NewsArticle Link
The Salvation Army of Metro Jackson is one of several Mississippi groups providing hurricane support on the East Coast.
The Salvation Army of Metro Jackson will deploy its mobile kitchen to North Carolina to provide relief support for victims of Hurricane Irene.
Volunteers will stock the canteen at the Salvation Army's disaster warehouse in Jackson on Saturday and leave that afternoon, officials said. The mobile feeding unit can serve up to 1,500 hot meals per day.
It was not immediately known how long local volunteers and the canteen would be deployed.The Mississippi chapter of the American Red Cross has five workers who have either already been deployed or soon will be in response to Hurricane Irene.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director of Response Tom McAllister is in Washington D.C., to help direct national response efforts, the agency said. McAllister will be responsible for making sure states impacted by Irene have the manpower and resources to conduct response efforts in critical areas like search and rescue, communications and sheltering.“My job in this disaster is to make sure states engaged in the emergency have resources available prior to landfall,” McAllister said. “If a state is stretched thin in an area, we reach out to other states to bring in the resources they need so response and recovery efforts can continue.”Entergy crews were leaving Jackson on Saturday, headed to Maryland to help with possible power outages, company officials said.
The Mississippi National Guard's 172nd Airlift Wing is on standby to provide support for the East Coast, officials said.
Local Groups Ready to Help with Irene Damage26 August 2011Wltx.com (Columbia, South Carolina)Article Link
Irene may be skipping over most of South Carolina, but organizations all over the Midlands are ready to help those who are affected.
The Salvation Army sent a crew Friday morning with a canteen truck than can cook and provide refrigeration. The American Red Cross Columbia Chapter spent the day getting emergency response truck ready and getting a list of volunteers available ready.
SCE&G is also pitching in. Their crews along the coast were already working to clean up after the storm Friday, but they're also prepared to send employees to North Carolina to help with damage and repairs there. To find out what you need to know before the next storm comes around, check out their tips on their storm center page.
To donate to those affected through the Salvation Army, you can text "Storm" to 80888 to make a $10 contribution or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
To donate through the Red Cross, text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 or call 1-803-540-1223 to find out how to volunteer.
Louisville ready to come to aid of Hurricane Irene victims26 August 2011Louisville Courier JournalArticle Link
Louisville workers and groups are preparing to offer help in preparation for Hurricane Irene’s anticipated destruction.
The Salvation Army of Louisville is on stand-by to respond if called to the East Coast, said Marilyn Markwell, community relations director for the organization. It has not been asked to mobilize.
Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities will also offer restoration assistance to PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania and Dominion Power in Virginia.
Nearly 260 LG&E and KU employees and Kentucky-based contractors left Friday morning from across Kentucky to provide support, according to a press release.
The team consists of veteran line technicians, team leaders, safety specialists and tree trimmers. Crews will replace or repair poles, towers, cross-arms, transformers, and other components of electrical infrastructure that may be damaged by Hurricane Irene.
The effort is part of LG&E and KU’s participation in the mutual assistance program, in which a collection of utility companies assist other utilities in times of natural disasters and crisis situations.
Earlier this month, after severe weather pounded Kentucky, LG&E and KU brought in more than 1,650 workers from Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania to help restore power to more than 182,800 customers.
Crews will continue to restore power for the requesting utilities until no longer needed and as long as weather patterns remain calm in LG&E and KU’s service territory, according to the release.
Triad Ready to Help with Irene Response26 August 2011MyFOX8.comArticle Link
As Hurricane Irene heads toward the North Carolina coast, rescue and support workers in the Triad are getting ready to respond just in case.
The Mobile Kitchen at the Salvation Army in Greensboro will leave Friday for Elizabeth City. It doesn't look that large, but it can feed up to 800 people at once.
Major Paul Egan said if the disaster is more extensive, they can bring in a kitchen that is housed on an 18-wheeler.
Fire Station 5 of the Greensboro Fire Department is ready to send up to 32 volunteers on the technical rescue team if needed.
Capt. Brian Wells said they can take two military-grade boats for water rescues, a large trailer full of tools and supplies for structure colalpses and a command center on an 18-wheeler that also expands into lodging.
"Since we know it's coming, it gives us a heads up to get everything squared away. That's the difference between a pre-deployment and an actual emergency deployment," said Capt. Brian Wells.
The Triad is also thinking about the animals. The Guilford County Animal Shelter is waiting to hear whether they will need to send their came, a large trailer that can transport or treat dozens of animals at once.
Shelter director Marsha Williams said they are prepared to bring the animals back, set up an emergency shelter at one of the makeshift human shelters, and/or do any type of emergency animal care including surgery.
"We don't know what it will entail right now. It depends on the storm, how bad it is and where it hits," said Marsha Williams with the shelter.
The storm is projected to make landfall on Saturday. The entire North Carolina coast was put under a hurricane warning as of 5 p.m. Thursday.
Salvation Army mobilizes for Irene relief By David Horn 26 August 2011North Carolina News NetworkArticle Link The Salvation Army is on the move with mobile canteens to provide food for those impacted by Hurricane Irene. Lt. Robert Long with the Winston-Salem chapter said workers could be mobilize for as long as 14 days if needed.
Long every North Carolinian to help. "The easiest way to do things, of course, is time, if you have the time to help serve and, of course, money is always the easiest way. That way we can go and get what we need, exactly what we need when we need it," said Long.
Friday morning Triad areas Salvation Army chapters were buy food to make 2,000 meals. Long said workers from the Greensboro office will be going to Elizabeth City, while those from Winston-Salem are being deployed to Morehead City.
GOV. PERDUE URGES NORTH CAROLINIANS TO GET READY FOR HURRICANE IRENE THANKS PRESIDENT FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE26 August 2011States News Service
The following information was released by the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety:
Gov. Bev Perdue today urged North Carolinians to make final storm preparations and evacuate if instructed by local officials as Hurricane Irene approaches. She also spoke with President Barrack Obama, thanked him for the federal government's assistance and asked him to be prepared to provide further help if the storm hits the state hard.
The President, in turn, assured Gov. Perdue that he is focused on taking care of North Carolina.
“We continue to prepare for Hurricane Irene, and we're ready to handle this storm,” Gov. Perdue said. “Residents and visitors must heed evacuation orders and other instructions from local and state officials. This hurricane is real and poses a threat to North Carolina.”
Twenty North Carolina counties, with a combined population exceeding 3.5 million people, are expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irene. Those counties are: Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington.
On Thursday, the president approved Gov. Perdue's request for a Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration, authorizing appropriate federal assistance to protect lives, property, public health and safety. On Wednesday, the governor declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the oncoming hurricane.
The front of Hurricane Irene is projected to hit the coast near Cape Fear this afternoon with tropical storm force winds (up to 73 miles per hour). The entire North Carolina coast could experience hurricane force winds all day Saturday. Heavy rains and flash flooding are expected along with storm surge reaching up the Neuse and Tar rivers.
The N.C. National Guard is positioning troops and equipment in coastal areas. Nearly 200 soldiers are being placed on active duty, with another 2,500 on standby. Forty swiftwater rescue teams, as well as several Urban Search and Rescue Teams from Wilmington, Lumberton and Greenville are on high alert.
Two shelters have opened in Nash and Wilson counties with others opening later today in Brunswick, Craven, Duplin, Halifax, Hertford, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Northampton and Pender counties. The state is coordinating with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, NC Baptist Men and NC Social Services to shelter and feed evacuees. Mass Care Support trailers and mobile animal trailers are on standby in Halifax and Northampton counties to support those shelters.
Essential food, water and other supplies are in warehouses in Tarboro and Badin. The Division of Emergency Management has also activated its pre-arranged purchase contracts for generators and transportation assets, food and water and other items.
The State Highway Patrol already has dozens of troopers activated and more are on standby ready to respond within one hour. Highway Patrol has 48 additional troopers activated, with 96 more on standby. SHP personnel are helping with evacuation traffic from the N.C. Department of Transportation Ferry Terminals at Hatteras, Swan Quarter and Cedar Island.
135
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
The evacuation of Ocracoke Island ended this morning. NCDOT ferries transported 2,278 passengers and 931 vehicles.
Additional evacuations are under way in Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, New Hanover, Pender, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
Local States of Emergency have been declared in Beaufort, Carteret, Currituck, Hyde, New Hanover, Pamlico, Pender, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
State ports have closed in Morehead City and Wilmington.
North Carolina interstate and intrastate rail transportation is cancelled for Saturday. Limited intrastate passenger train travel will resume between Raleigh and Charlotte on Sunday.
State Emergency Response Team members from more than 40 state agencies and volunteer organizations are participating in daily briefings on the latest forecast and its potential impact on North Carolina.
Residents should stay tuned to local weather forecasts for the latest information and listen to any evacuation instructions from local officials.
Gov. Perdue today activated the state's toll-free emergency information bilingual hotline to provide callers with details about Hurricane Irene as it begins to move across the region. English and Spanish-speaking people should call 1-888-835-9966. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may call 1-877-877-1765 (TTY) or 711 (Relay N.C.)
For road and travel conditions call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow the NC Department of Transportation on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.
GOVERNOR CHRISTIE DISCUSSES POTENTIAL IMPACT OF HURRICANE IRENE AND DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY25 August 2011States News Service
The following information was released by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services:
GOVERNOR CHRISTIE: I completed a briefing with our executive team to begin the next step of preparations. We've been preparing for this since Monday. The latest tracking tells us that this is going to become more serious than less. We've moved to an extreme rating from the National Weather Service in terms of the impact on New Jersey and the current tracking is going to lead to, if it continues, a serious significant event in the state. The Emergency Operations Center has been activated. We've been preparing as I've said department coordination of the State Police, the National Guard, Homeland Security and Preparedness, the DEP, Department of Transportation, and Human Services. Before I entered the room, I declared a state of emergency already in anticipation of what's going to be happening. That is going to allow General Reith to begin to deploy National Guard resources throughout the state immediately and he has begun to execute on those orders which I just signed. The state OEM is coordinating with every county, all twenty-one, as they mobilize preparations at the county and local level and this is very important to emphasize for local elected officials and for county officials. Any request for any assistance must come through from the local to the county up to the state OEM. We will not be dealing with individual requests to the National Guard or others from localities. They have to go through the coordinated system. That's the only way for us to be able to assess and evaluate the relative need of the various requests and to be able to get a handle on what's going on throughout the state on a real-time basis throughout all twenty-one counties. I'm going to turn it over for a moment to Colonel Fuentes for him to give an update on the status of the hurricane and where we see things going right now. I'll come back to talk about a few other things and then bring Director McKenna and General Reith to talk about some stuff and then I'll take questions from you. So Colonel.
COLONEL FUENTES: Thank you Governor. As the Governor pointed out we've been working with county and local OEMs since Monday looking at all the possible scenarios and we basically woke up this morning to find that the storm had wobbled westward. That was not a good sign for us because it looks like the eye is going to pass very close to if not over Cape May which means that the barrier islands that are concentrated in Atlantic County and in Cape May County are going to be subject to some very high winds. They are going to be subject to a storm surge which may run as much as twelve feet as a result of the coincidence of astronomical tides on Saturday night and Sunday morning. And so we're engaged in somewhat extraordinary discussions beyond the normal discussions that we've had over the last few days about the nature of evacuations. The Governor is probably going to talk a little bit more about that. The entire state is obviously going to be subject to a pretty terrible rain event. As a matter of fact right now and this system doesn't have anything to do with the hurricane. We're looking at one to two inches of rain through very early in the overnight hours and then tomorrow should be a nice day which is going to play very well for the evacuations that we're asking and working with the counties to carry out and Saturday evening we're literally going to be in the thick of it with tropical storm winds that are going to be arriving down in the Cape May area probably around 6 pm. They're going to build in intensity to CAT 1 hurricane force winds which may run upwards of 80 mph as we get into the early Sunday morning hours. Obviously at that point in time we want everybody to be home to be properly prepped. We don't want anybody on those barriers and we're going to be working very, very closely with the county and local OEMs to make sure that we get everybody out of harm's way and that we restrict access on any bridge entry to those islands as we get closer to the event because it doesn't make sense to take people off while we're letting people in. So all of those things are occurring right now. You can imagine that this is a very dynamic situation. We have excellent partnerships in this state and I think everybody knows that. This is where we take it
137
The Salvation Army May 9, 2023
beyond the battlefield conditions and put it to work so I want to thank the counties and the locals for their assistance in this.
GOVERNOR CHRISTIE: The Colonel mentioned the issue of evacuation. First thing. Anyone who has shore rentals or who are planning to go to the shore this weekend, do not go. If the event starts on Saturday of Sunday do not go. As the Colonel said we are anticipating this to hit on Saturday night and as a result we won't know well into Monday what the level of potential damage is in those areas both to property and to any life that would be out there. We do not want folks going to the shore this weekend, and we're urging them not to do it. If you're there at the shore now in the midst of a rental that runs till Saturday or Sunday, or a permanent home that you have there or you're visiting in some other way, we would like and I'm urging folks to voluntarily leave either tonight or during the day tomorrow but certainly by tomorrow night I would ask everybody to voluntarily get out of the shore area, especially the barrier islands that Rick referenced before. As we monitor this storm it is very likely that we'll close off all access to the barrier islands sometime on Saturday once we've had the opportunity to have as many folks as can leave to leave. We're going to continue to monitor this. Right now I'm asking people to do this voluntarily. I am actively considering a mandatory evacuation but I'm not there yet. If I am I'll be coming back out before you to order a mandatory evacuation but certainly the executive order I just signed and the general powers of the governorship permit me to do that any time and if I believe it's necessary to do so but right now I'd like everybody who is at the shore area, certainly by midday tomorrow to be out of the shore area and headed back home to where you live permanently. The local shelters are being opened and will be available for access soon, certainly will be available for access by the time we're going to be asking anybody to evacuate in a mandatory fashion or before the storm hits on Saturday evening whichever comes first. There is a website for people to go to help prepare themselves for the storm. It's ready.nj.gov. Director McKenna will go through that in more detail and some of the specifics of things that people should be doing to be prepared. The good news about this is that we have enough time to be prepared. People need to utilize the time over the next twenty-four to thirty-six hours in an efficient effective way. Do not leave things until the last minute. Get ready now for what will be coming on Saturday. Local officials out there, mayors, council people, freeholders, county executives, should be notifying their communities about where shelters are available. Use all the resources that you have available at the local or county level to get that information out there as to where shelters will be available for those folks who need it. We've been coordinating with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army and the state food banks to ensure access to food and water and shelter all across the state. Homeland Security and Preparedness has been working on just such preparations for warehousing, for food and water in a centralized place in the state. Director McKenna efforts have that in place for us prior to this incident. So, the bottom line for the people especially in South Jersey at the shore is begin to get ready to leave now and please leave by midday tomorrow. For those folks in other places around the state understand especially in South Jersey we have significant rain and number of dams failing last week, the additional rain we're having today across the state will not only affect obviously what's going on in the ocean but in the rivers across the state are going to be almost at capacity already after today's rain incident so there is going to be some significant chance of flooding if we get the type of rainfall that's being at least predicted now by tracking so people who are in the areas that are prone to flooding and the local officials in those areas need to be prepared and start working now to interact with their county OEMs, and the state OEM to be able to be prepared for what's going to happen there as well. And for anybody whether you're in a low-lying area that floods or any place else in the state there's probably no part in the state if the storm continues to track the way it is that won't be affected by this. And so I'm going to turn it over to Director McKenna for him to give advice to New Jerseyans on the mainland, things you need to do to prepare for the weekend, and to give a little bit of depth of njready.gov website what it can do and what they should be working with. Charlie?
