Back The Sept. 9 Red Cross program on KJFF Radio (1400-AM) focused on Hurricane Katrina, which has resulted in the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural disaster in the history of the American Red Cross. This disaster is unprecedented in terms of the number of people affected, the extent of the area impacted and the scope of the destruction. The role of the Red Cross to ensure the emergency needs of individuals are met is evident at both the national and local level.  Nationally, through Sept. 20, the Red Cross has sheltered more than 200,000 individuals in more than 900 shelters and evacuation centers throughout 26 states, while serving nearly 12 million hot meals and 8.5 million snacks. Locally, in the St. Louis metropolitan area, more than 4,200 evacuees from more than 1,700 families have received emergency assistance that includes shelter, food, clothing, medicine and mental health counseling, totaling $1.2 million in direct aid. In addition, the St. Louis Area Chapter has deployed 27 highly trained volunteers and staff to assist throughout the affected areas with 70 more on standby for deployment as needed.  The Chapter’s emergency response vehicle, capable of serving up to 600 meals at a time in the neighborhoods most severely impacted by the storm, has also been dispatched. An outpouring of community support has occurred since the hurricane made landfall on Aug. 29. A local toll-free phone bank staffed by nearly 200 Red Cross volunteers and employees has received more than 8,200 calls from individuals offering to volunteer, make a donation and give blood. Others have called regarding how to find family members. More than 4,000 local individuals have inquired about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, and 2,300 of those inquiries have been received via on-line applications. St. Louis is one of 50 sites nationwide designated by the American National Red Cross to participate in the movement to train and activate thousands of new Red Cross disaster volunteers by Nov. 30. In addition to service opportunities in times of disaster at the national and local level, volunteers will also be trained to support Community Disaster Education, a program designed to help our community learn how to prevent and prepare for disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross has expedited resources to serve as a bridge of assistance to meet the immediate needs of evacuees until state and federal aid is available, while working with government and other agencies to assess longer-term needs. For general information about the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief operation, call the Red Cross at 1.800.984.8979 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org. Individuals seeking information regarding loved ones missing in the aftermath of the hurricane are encouraged to call 1.877.LOVED.1S. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE. KJFF Radio (1400 AM) will air the next Red Cross program live at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14 with an opportunity for listeners to call in with questions.

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