/PRNewswire/ -- A new American Red Cross survey shows many web users would turn to social media to seek help for themselves or others during emergencies--and they expect first responders to be listening.
The online survey asked 1,058 adults about their use of social media sites in emergency situations. It found that if they needed help and couldn't reach 9-1-1, one in five would try to contact responders through a digital means such as e-mail, websites or social media. If web users knew of someone else who needed help, 44 percent would ask other people in their social network to contact authorities, 35 percent would post a request for help directly on a response agency's Facebook page and 28 percent would send a direct Twitter message to responders.
Web users also have clear expectations about how first responders should be answering their requests. The survey showed that 69 percent said that emergency responders should be monitoring social media sites in order to quickly send help--and nearly half believe a response agency is probably already responding to any urgent request they might see.
And the survey respondents expected quick response to an online appeal for help--74 percent expected help to come less than an hour after their tweet or Facebook post.
"The first and best choice for anyone in an emergency situation is to call 9-1-1," said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross president and CEO. "But when phone lines are down or the 9-1-1 system is overwhelmed, we know that people will be persistent in their quest for help and use social media for that purpose."
The Red Cross commissioned the survey in advance of an Emergency Social Data Summit set for Thursday, August 12, in Washington, D.C. The meeting, convened by the Red Cross, will bring together thought leaders and experts in the government, social media, emergency response and the non-profit sectors to discuss better ways to handle information that flows through the web during disasters.
"The social web is creating a fundamental shift in disaster response--one that will ask emergency managers, government agencies and aid organizations to mix time-honored expertise with real-time input from the public," McGovern said. "We need to work together to better respond to that shift."
The Red Cross survey also found that among web users, social media sites are the fourth most popular source for emergency information, just behind television news, radio and online news sites. More web users say they get their emergency information from social media than from a NOAA weather radio, government website or emergency text message system. One in five social media users also report posting eyewitness accounts of emergency events to their accounts.
Online Survey of 1,058 respondents representative of the U.S. population aged 18 and older. Survey conducted on July 22-23, 2010 by Infogroup / ORC.
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Showing posts with label disaster relief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disaster relief. Show all posts
Monday, August 09, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Red Cross Aid Reaches Haitian Earthquake Survivors
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Truckloads of Red Cross supplies arrived in Port-au-Prince yesterday and thousands of responders are traveling the streets, providing water and first aid as well as finding lost loved ones and transporting people with serious injuries to nearby health facilities.
"America's support - donations made in the United States to the American Red Cross - is reaching the hands of survivors in Haiti," said Steve McAndrew, disaster relief specialist with the American Red Cross in Port-au-Prince.
Within the convoy that arrived yesterday are 50-bed field hospitals and purification equipment capable of producing 10,000 gallons of drinking water per day. The mobile hospitals have a dedicated section to help people cope with emotional trauma. Toys and specially-trained volunteers will be available to comfort children, who are particularly vulnerable.
An additional seven truckloads of equipment and materials including medical supplies, that were on Red Cross planes re-routed to the Dominican Republic Friday, are traveling overland and are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince by Sunday. Two flights will arrive in the capital city, carrying enough relief supplies for more than 32,000 families, on Monday as well.
The American Red Cross team and responders from more than 30 countries, totaling 100, have now arrived and are providing a wide-range of support, including food, water, field hospitals, emotional support and sanitation services, alongside thousands of local volunteers.
"We are working with the Haitian Red Cross volunteers, who have intimate knowledge of the community," said McAndrew. "Survivors are receiving aid from their neighbors, who they know and trust, with support from the international community."
On Monday, American Red Cross President & CEO Gail McGovern will travel to Port-au-Prince to join other Red Cross leaders in assessing the relief efforts and planning for long-term recovery.
"Our focus now is on the immediate relief for the people of Haiti, but make no mistake, this is going to be a massive long-term recovery operation," McGovern said.
Since the earthquake struck, more than 19,300 people have registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross-sponsored Web site (www.icrc.org/familylinks) helping to reconnect families separated during the earthquake. Almost all of the registrations were from people searching for news about their relatives, although around 1,400 people have so far used the site to say they are safe and well.
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"America's support - donations made in the United States to the American Red Cross - is reaching the hands of survivors in Haiti," said Steve McAndrew, disaster relief specialist with the American Red Cross in Port-au-Prince.
Within the convoy that arrived yesterday are 50-bed field hospitals and purification equipment capable of producing 10,000 gallons of drinking water per day. The mobile hospitals have a dedicated section to help people cope with emotional trauma. Toys and specially-trained volunteers will be available to comfort children, who are particularly vulnerable.
An additional seven truckloads of equipment and materials including medical supplies, that were on Red Cross planes re-routed to the Dominican Republic Friday, are traveling overland and are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince by Sunday. Two flights will arrive in the capital city, carrying enough relief supplies for more than 32,000 families, on Monday as well.
The American Red Cross team and responders from more than 30 countries, totaling 100, have now arrived and are providing a wide-range of support, including food, water, field hospitals, emotional support and sanitation services, alongside thousands of local volunteers.
"We are working with the Haitian Red Cross volunteers, who have intimate knowledge of the community," said McAndrew. "Survivors are receiving aid from their neighbors, who they know and trust, with support from the international community."
On Monday, American Red Cross President & CEO Gail McGovern will travel to Port-au-Prince to join other Red Cross leaders in assessing the relief efforts and planning for long-term recovery.
"Our focus now is on the immediate relief for the people of Haiti, but make no mistake, this is going to be a massive long-term recovery operation," McGovern said.
Since the earthquake struck, more than 19,300 people have registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross-sponsored Web site (www.icrc.org/familylinks) helping to reconnect families separated during the earthquake. Almost all of the registrations were from people searching for news about their relatives, although around 1,400 people have so far used the site to say they are safe and well.
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Thursday, October 01, 2009
Bank of America Announces Customer Disaster Relief Program in Wake of Severe Storms and Floods in Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America today announced its disaster relief program for 17 counties in Georgia that have been designated disaster areas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation also announced it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for people impacted in the region by the recent severe storms and floods.
The counties include: Catoosa, Carroll, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens, Bartow, Coweta, Heard, and Walker.
"These storms and floods have caused significant damage and suffering throughout our state," said Geri Thomas, Georgia president for Bank of America. "Bank of America is pleased to help our neighbors get through this difficult period."
Under the company's disaster relief program, Bank of America customers affected by severe storms and floods in those counties may qualify to:
-- Receive emergency credit line increases on their existing Bank of
America Visa® card and MasterCard®
-- Modify or extend payments on loans, credit cards or lines of credit
-- Access a new home equity loan through the bank's special loan program,
with no fees and preferential pricing below the current rate
-- Purchase a new primary residence through the bank's special mortgage
program and we will waive loan fees and expedite the loan process.
This purchase program is available to all qualifying residents of
impacted counties, not just existing customers.
-- Avoid bank early withdrawal penalties on certificates of deposit (CDs)
Small businesses may also qualify for similar benefits on both business and personal loans.
Customers may apply for assistance under the program through November 13 in any Bank of America banking centers or by calling 1.800.831.5586. For assistance with a credit card account, the phone number on the back of the card or on a bank statement may be called. The offers are subject to credit approval and current credit standards apply. Insurance is required for mortgage and home equity loan products. These offers cannot be used in combination with other offers, and certain restrictions may apply. Tax penalties may still apply to IRA withdrawals before age 59 1/2. Bank of America, N.A. is an equal housing lender and a member of the FDIC.
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The Bank of America Charitable Foundation also announced it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for people impacted in the region by the recent severe storms and floods.
The counties include: Catoosa, Carroll, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens, Bartow, Coweta, Heard, and Walker.
"These storms and floods have caused significant damage and suffering throughout our state," said Geri Thomas, Georgia president for Bank of America. "Bank of America is pleased to help our neighbors get through this difficult period."
Under the company's disaster relief program, Bank of America customers affected by severe storms and floods in those counties may qualify to:
-- Receive emergency credit line increases on their existing Bank of
America Visa® card and MasterCard®
-- Modify or extend payments on loans, credit cards or lines of credit
-- Access a new home equity loan through the bank's special loan program,
with no fees and preferential pricing below the current rate
-- Purchase a new primary residence through the bank's special mortgage
program and we will waive loan fees and expedite the loan process.
This purchase program is available to all qualifying residents of
impacted counties, not just existing customers.
-- Avoid bank early withdrawal penalties on certificates of deposit (CDs)
Small businesses may also qualify for similar benefits on both business and personal loans.
Customers may apply for assistance under the program through November 13 in any Bank of America banking centers or by calling 1.800.831.5586. For assistance with a credit card account, the phone number on the back of the card or on a bank statement may be called. The offers are subject to credit approval and current credit standards apply. Insurance is required for mortgage and home equity loan products. These offers cannot be used in combination with other offers, and certain restrictions may apply. Tax penalties may still apply to IRA withdrawals before age 59 1/2. Bank of America, N.A. is an equal housing lender and a member of the FDIC.
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Friday, September 25, 2009
Lowe’s Donating $250,000 to American Red Cross for Flood Relief Efforts; Activating Customer Donation Program and ‘Racing for Relief’
(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the flooding in the Atlanta area, Lowe’s is making a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. In addition, all Lowe’s stores in Georgia are serving as official cash donation sites to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which helps people affected by disasters like the recent floods. Store employees will also be on hand to answer questions and provide tips for flood clean up.
“At Lowe's, we are committed to forging alliances with well-respected organizations like the American Red Cross, so we can make sure our contributions and donations from customers will get to those in the hardest-hit areas as efficiently as possible,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president, chief operating officer and chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “In addition, Lowe’s command center is in full activation, and we are expediting emergency product into affected communities to help customers recover.”
In addition, Lowe’s, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and American Le Mans Series division champions Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz will be “Racing for Relief” at the Dover International Speedway and Road Atlanta this weekend to add to the contribution. Funds raised will help to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters like the recent floods.
As part of Racing for Relief, Lowe’s has decided to donate $48 for every lap of the scheduled 400 laps that Johnson completes in the Dover 400 on September 27. If Johnson wins his race, Lowe’s will donate an additional $4,800. Lowe’s will donate $15 for every mile of the scheduled 1,000 miles that the Lowe’s Team 15 completes in the Petit Le Mans on September 26, and if Team 15 wins its race in flood-affected Atlanta, Lowe’s will donate an additional $15,000. The total amount of donation if both teams win will be $54,000. The Red Cross logo will be displayed on the deck lids of the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS and the No. 15 Lowe’s Acura.
“This has been an incredibly devastating event for Atlanta-area residents, and I know there are so many people who need our help right now," said Johnson. “The Lowe's 48 team will do everything we can to get to victory lane so we can raise as much money as possible. The American Red Cross helps so many people, and it's the least we can do to show our support.”
“This is the first time that we have been able to participate in Lowe’s ‘Racing for Relief’ program,” said Adrian Fernandez, one of the two Lowe’s Team 15 drivers. “Luis and I will do everything we can to make sure we win this race and get $30,000 for the Atlanta area. Since the race is in Atlanta this weekend, we are especially excited about the opportunity to help the local community.”
Lowe’s first introduced Racing for Relief in April 2000. To date, the program has helped disaster relief efforts for hurricanes, tornados and floods by raising more than $294,000. Since partnering with the Red Cross in 1999, Lowe’s has raised more than $18.6 million for disaster relief.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the American Red Cross may visit participating Lowe’s stores, donate online at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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“At Lowe's, we are committed to forging alliances with well-respected organizations like the American Red Cross, so we can make sure our contributions and donations from customers will get to those in the hardest-hit areas as efficiently as possible,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president, chief operating officer and chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “In addition, Lowe’s command center is in full activation, and we are expediting emergency product into affected communities to help customers recover.”
In addition, Lowe’s, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and American Le Mans Series division champions Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz will be “Racing for Relief” at the Dover International Speedway and Road Atlanta this weekend to add to the contribution. Funds raised will help to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters like the recent floods.
As part of Racing for Relief, Lowe’s has decided to donate $48 for every lap of the scheduled 400 laps that Johnson completes in the Dover 400 on September 27. If Johnson wins his race, Lowe’s will donate an additional $4,800. Lowe’s will donate $15 for every mile of the scheduled 1,000 miles that the Lowe’s Team 15 completes in the Petit Le Mans on September 26, and if Team 15 wins its race in flood-affected Atlanta, Lowe’s will donate an additional $15,000. The total amount of donation if both teams win will be $54,000. The Red Cross logo will be displayed on the deck lids of the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS and the No. 15 Lowe’s Acura.
“This has been an incredibly devastating event for Atlanta-area residents, and I know there are so many people who need our help right now," said Johnson. “The Lowe's 48 team will do everything we can to get to victory lane so we can raise as much money as possible. The American Red Cross helps so many people, and it's the least we can do to show our support.”
“This is the first time that we have been able to participate in Lowe’s ‘Racing for Relief’ program,” said Adrian Fernandez, one of the two Lowe’s Team 15 drivers. “Luis and I will do everything we can to make sure we win this race and get $30,000 for the Atlanta area. Since the race is in Atlanta this weekend, we are especially excited about the opportunity to help the local community.”
Lowe’s first introduced Racing for Relief in April 2000. To date, the program has helped disaster relief efforts for hurricanes, tornados and floods by raising more than $294,000. Since partnering with the Red Cross in 1999, Lowe’s has raised more than $18.6 million for disaster relief.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the American Red Cross may visit participating Lowe’s stores, donate online at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Saturday, March 28, 2009
Flooding in Fargo: World Vision Sending Supplies and Staff to Help Affected Families
/PRNewswire / -- Amid historic flooding in Fargo, North Dakota, Christian relief organization World Vision is dispatching an initial truckload of emergency supplies and sending staff to assess the needs of affected families.
"It's devastating for children and families to see their homes flooded and be forced to evacuate. But with this historic disaster happening on top of the economic downturn, people are going to be hurting even more," said Phyllis Freeman, World Vision's director for domestic disaster response.
"World Vision is especially concerned about children, lower-income families and families already struggling in this recession," said Freeman. "We will be working with local churches and community organizations to make sure the most vulnerable people don't fall through the cracks."
The agency's first shipment will leave Seattle on Tuesday and arrive at World Vision's Storehouse in the Twin Cities on Thursday. World Vision is shipping cleaning supplies that will help more than 150 families to combat dangerous black mold and other hazards once they are able to return to their homes. World Vision also plans to supply hygiene kits, paper towels, women's clothing and trash bags. For children who have been affected, the organization is providing soccer balls, board games, coloring books, baby clothing, backpacks, school supplies, stuffed animals and shoes.
The organization will work with its network of community and church partners to distribute the supplies to those who have been affected in and around Fargo.
"Recovery is going to take time, even after it's safe for these families to return," Freeman said. "Families that have had their homes heavily flooded will need to shovel out mud, wash down the walls, bleach everything, and possibly rip out drywall," she added.
Cash donations are needed to help with the response. The public can help by calling 1.888.56.CHILD or visiting www.worldvision.org and giving to the American Families Assistance Fund.
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"It's devastating for children and families to see their homes flooded and be forced to evacuate. But with this historic disaster happening on top of the economic downturn, people are going to be hurting even more," said Phyllis Freeman, World Vision's director for domestic disaster response.
"World Vision is especially concerned about children, lower-income families and families already struggling in this recession," said Freeman. "We will be working with local churches and community organizations to make sure the most vulnerable people don't fall through the cracks."
The agency's first shipment will leave Seattle on Tuesday and arrive at World Vision's Storehouse in the Twin Cities on Thursday. World Vision is shipping cleaning supplies that will help more than 150 families to combat dangerous black mold and other hazards once they are able to return to their homes. World Vision also plans to supply hygiene kits, paper towels, women's clothing and trash bags. For children who have been affected, the organization is providing soccer balls, board games, coloring books, baby clothing, backpacks, school supplies, stuffed animals and shoes.
The organization will work with its network of community and church partners to distribute the supplies to those who have been affected in and around Fargo.
"Recovery is going to take time, even after it's safe for these families to return," Freeman said. "Families that have had their homes heavily flooded will need to shovel out mud, wash down the walls, bleach everything, and possibly rip out drywall," she added.
Cash donations are needed to help with the response. The public can help by calling 1.888.56.CHILD or visiting www.worldvision.org and giving to the American Families Assistance Fund.
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Friday, October 31, 2008
Presidio Invitational Convenes on the Green to Raise Funds for Disaster Relief
PRNewswire/ -- Presidio Networked Solutions Inc., the leading provider of professional and managed services for advanced IT lifecycle solutions, announced today that Presidio's Invitational Charity Golf Tournament, held October 27, raised $5,000 for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The fund provides food, shelter, counseling services and other assistance to aid the victims of disasters affecting U.S. communities each year.
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Nearly 60 participants joined Presidio, a Cisco Gold Partner and NetApp Star Partner, to hit the fairway and raise monies for the Atlanta chapter of the non-profit charity organization. The event, sponsored by NetApp and Cisco, marked Presidio's fourth annual charitable golf invitational; APC, Commvault, and Xerox also participated in the tournament, each sponsoring holes on the course to support the cause. Community Relations Officer Laurie Ann Kimbrell was on hand to accept the contribution on behalf of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross.
"We are very thankful to Presidio for its generous donation to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund," said Tim English, CEO of the Atlanta Red Cross. "This financial gift will help to ensure that relief services such as food, shelter and other basic necessities are available immediately to victims of disasters."
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Monday, July 28, 2008
Office Depot Foundation Supports Disaster Relief and Recovery Worldwide with Contributions of $257,000 and 1,000 Backpacks for Children
BUSINESS WIRE --The Office Depot Foundation, the independent foundation serving as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot (NYSE:ODP), announced that it has made contributions totaling $257,000 along with 1,000 children’s backpacks to eight non-profit organizations to assist with domestic and international relief and recovery efforts, as well as activities related to disaster preparation and planning.
In the short term, these contributions are assisting in the aftermath of the earthquake in China, the cyclone in Myanmar, and widespread tornadoes, floods and wildfires across the U.S. Moving forward, the donations will help businesses and communities to prepare for future disasters and to hasten their recovery efforts when such tragedies occur.
Recent donations include the following:
China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) - $100,000 for the construction of a school in the area affected by the earthquake that struck China's Sichuan province. Immediately after this disaster, Office Depot associates in China contributed and raised $25,000 for the relief efforts. The Office Depot Foundation is matching this donation with $25,000 and also making another donation of $50,000 from a donor-directed gift received from Office Depot Inc. CYDF is best known for “Project Hope,” which helps dropout students and those at risk of dropping out to continue their schooling in China’s rural, poverty-stricken areas.
Save the Children – 1,000 backpacks containing essential school supplies to help children in the stricken areas when they return to school.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) - $70,000, including $5,000 as a challenge grant to the Disaster Assistance and Recovery Program, a BCLC initiative, to fund an economic/community impact assessment study in the region affected by the Midwest floods; and $65,000 to sponsor the National Disaster Help Desk for Business. Accessible through a national toll-free number (1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP), the help desk serves businesses affected by disasters as well as those that want to help.
Doctors Without Borders - $20,000 for the organization’s efforts to assist in China and Myanmar, as well as its ongoing programs to provide immunizations for vulnerable children and adults around the world.
American Red Cross - $30,000 for disaster relief efforts in the areas hit by tornadoes in the central and southern U.S. as well as assistance in the areas affected by wildfires in Florida.
Nourish America - $5,000 to in assist firefighters and law enforcement officials involved with the disasters in Florida.
Humane Society of the United States - $2,000 for assistance with both domestic and international disaster relief efforts.
SCORE and the SCORE Foundation - $30,000 to support disaster planning, preparation and recovery for small businesses, including the development of resources for businesses on the Office Depot Foundation website.
“The Office Depot Foundation was born nearly 15 years ago in the wake of Hurricane Andrew’s devastating impact on South Florida, where our global headquarters are located,” notes Foundation President Mary Wong. “Through the years, we have steadily expanded our scope to focus not just on disaster relief, but also on the long-term process of recovery and rebuilding. These new contributions help us to accomplish all of these goals.”
The Office Depot Foundation’s emphasis on disaster relief and recovery is one of the strategic priorities included in its 5 X 5 Program™, which also focuses on helping children get ready for life and work, helping non-profit organizations become more professional and productive, enhancing global development and strengthening local communities. To learn more, please visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.
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