Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed November 16-22, 2008 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. “Winter weather is nearly here and now is the time to prepare,” said Dave Tucek, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the Indianapolis National Weather Service Office. “Extreme weather occurs every winter. This year should be no exception.”

AMERICAN RED CROSS ISSUES APPEAL FOR DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The American Red Cross helped, in June, the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states-an enormous geographic area. See how the Red Cross provided services in INDIANA Now, the Red Cross is on the scene again, in Texas and Louisiana with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.

The current relief operations follow two extremely busy months for the Red Cross, with 27 disaster operations in April and May, 11 major relief operations in June.

Through the “Safe and Well” Web site, the Red Cross provides an easy way to assist people in locating loved ones who evacuate their homes or communities.

This is a time for people to help each other-no matter where they live. We’re asking you to help your neighbors around the block and in the next state.

The help the American Red Cross gives people depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public. So we are issuing an appeal to citizens in every state to help those affected.

We’re asking people to be as flexible as possible when making their giving choices. A gift to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund allows us to help disaster victims anywhere people are suffering.

With record severe weather, flooding and as hurricanes now begin to impact our nation , it’s important for the Red Cross to be ready to jumpstart disaster relief operation anywhere. The Disaster Relief Fund is the safety net that allows us to do just that.

You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Central U.S. Floods and Tornados, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistances to the victims of disasters.

The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to act immediately, when help is needed most. However, the Disaster Relief Fund must be replenished constantly. Because the Red Cross is not a government agency, we depend on the voluntary contributions of the American people. It is through your generosity that we continue to provide the unique and vital services Americans depend on in times of crisis.

The American Red Cross will always be there whenever and wherever disaster strikes. But we need your help to keep our promise.

The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Contributions to help Hoosiers may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter (Hoosier Hills Chapter, 2119 29th St., Bedford, IN 47421) 

Contributions for the Disaster Relief Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

 

The Red Cross is asking residents in areas unaffected by this disaster to give blood to help ensure the blood supplies are stable. Due to the hurricanes, several blood drives have been canceled.