Local Red Cross Sends Responders to Help with Worst Disaster Since Superstorm Sandy

Fourteen Red Cross disaster responders from Oregon and Southwest Washington are deploying to Louisiana to help people affected by the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The American Red Cross Cascades Region is responding to devastating flooding in Louisiana. Red Cross disaster workers are providing shelter, food and comfort to those affected and more help is on the way.

Responders from Medford, Silverton, Florence, Salem, Portland, Lake Oswego, Wolf Creek and Keizer are either on the ground or heading to Louisiana.

They are assisting affected communities by managing shelters, providing emergency financial assistance, health and mental health services, transportation services, and coordinating with local government entities to help deliver assistance.

"We depend on the generosity of the public to make sure we can help people in need -- anytime and anywhere," said Amy Shlossman, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region.

"It costs the Red Cross approximately $1,650 to send a volunteer to a relief operation for 11 days -- the average length of a disaster deployment."

The flooding in Louisiana is likely the worst natural disaster since 2012's Superstorm Sandy. Sunday night more than 10,600 people sought refuge in nearly 50 Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana. Local officials have reported making more than 20,000 water rescues, and are estimating that 10,000 homes have been damaged. Many areas are still inaccessible. The flooding danger is not over as weather experts predict more rain is possible.

Preliminary estimates indicate that Red Cross response efforts could cost more than $10 million. Donations are urgently needed. To help people affected by the Louisiana Floods visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

SAFE AND WELL: Register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website so loved ones can see if you are safe and well. Those who can't access a computer can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and a Red Cross operator can help them register.

They can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website or visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell on their smart phone and click on the "List Yourself as Safe and Well" or "Search for friends and family" link.

EMERGENCY APP: Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of flooding, wildfires and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters.

The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.