PRESS RELEASE

American Red Cross Continues Serving Those Affected By Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
American Red Cross News Update
BATON ROUGE, La. (September 15, 2008) - The Louisiana Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross continues to work with those affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The American Red Cross provides the immediate emergency needs to those affected by disasters.

Fast facts from the disaster relief operation (nation-wide):

• 614 Shelter/Evacuation Centers
• 208,552 Shelter overnight stays
• 1,250,217 Meals served
• 1,043,643 Snacks served
• 287 Emergency Response Vehicles deployed
• 48,298 Comfort Kits distributed
• 11,164 Red Cross workers involved

Reminders from your American Red Cross:

Mass care continues in hardest-hit neighborhoods. Sheltering, feeding and emotional support are the primary focus of the Red Cross. Damage assessment teams were on the ground just days after the storm. Client outreach has begun. Teams of volunteers are meeting with those who had significant structural damage to their homes. As of midnight September 15, there were over 36,000 individuals in Red Cross shelters.

The American Red Cross needs your help to continue its mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to life’s emergencies. You can assist those affected by the recent storms by donating to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at 1 (800) RED-CROSS or www.redcross.org. The organization anticipates spending over $100 million, and only $8 million has been raised. There is a need to continue supporting these efforts.

The online newsroom is still operating at www.hurricanegustav.wordpress.com. B-roll, audio and other news information is available for media.

“This is a large-scale operation, and we, as well as other partnering agencies, are working to assist people in need,” said Vic Howell, CEO for the local Red Cross chapter. If individuals are interested in volunteering, please call the Red Cross at (225) 291-4533.

About the American Red Cross: All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. 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. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or 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.

###