The American Red Cross continues their long-term relief efforts in western North Carolina three months after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene flooding as we continue the holiday season.
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00:00This holiday season, we're grateful for the American Red Cross.
00:042024 has been another year of helping and supporting people in need.
00:08Joining us from Raleigh is Callie Edwards,
00:10National Spokesperson with the American Red Cross.
00:12Thanks for being with us this morning.
00:15Thank you for having us.
00:16And Callie, you're in North Carolina and it's been three months since Hurricane Helene.
00:20Can we get an update on the long-term relief in the areas impacted?
00:25Yes, this is the state I've lived in for many years
00:28and seen many different disasters at our state.
00:30But what happened in Western North Carolina has been particularly devastating.
00:35It's important to know that these types of
00:38disaster responses that have such a level of destruction can take years to recover.
00:44And the Red Cross is kicking off some of our long-term recovery efforts in the new year.
00:50That can look different for individuals and communities based on what they need.
00:54So it can be in the form of more financial assistance
00:58or working with community organizations to offer grants
01:02for other services that are needed in the community.
01:06And extreme weather and especially hurricanes took such a toll on so many Americans.
01:12For the Red Cross, how did 2024 compare to other years?
01:18Yes, it's been a very busy season with these climate-driven disasters.
01:23It's the second largest year for these billion-dollar disasters.
01:29And one of the things that we've seen is that increased need for
01:32feeding and lodging, which have exceeded a five-year average.
01:37And so we're continuing to deliver that mission.
01:40We've also seen that there's been impacts to blood supply because of some of these disasters.
01:45As a national blood bank, we're able to pre-position blood
01:49to areas where that might be impacted to make sure hospital patients
01:53get what they need during that time.
01:56These things are only possible because of the generosity of our donors,
02:00volunteers, and blood donors.
02:02And as we gather with friends and family for the holidays,
02:05what are some safety messages to keep your home and kitchen safe during this holiday time?
02:11I'm so glad you asked because I know you've also been covering
02:14some of the cold weather snaps we're expecting.
02:16This time of year, it's often when people think about disasters,
02:20they'll think about hurricanes, these big events.
02:22But home fires are one of the largest disasters we see, over 60,000 a year.
02:28To be safe during the holidays, make sure that you're doing things like
02:32watching your cooking.
02:33Don't leave cooking unattended.
02:36Don't leave open flames and candles if you have those for holiday decorations.
02:42Think about battery-operated ones instead.
02:44And also, be sure to check those smoke alarms monthly and test your fire escape plan
02:49to make sure everyone can get out safely, even during the holidays.
02:53Disasters don't take a break.
02:56And how can people help the Red Cross and contribute to your efforts?
03:01Absolutely.
03:02The holiday season is a perfect time to give a gift of any size, whether it's a gift of time,
03:08putting on that Red Cross vest to join us as a volunteer,
03:12make a financial donation, or roll up a sleeve to donate blood.
03:16We often see a dip in our donor appointments this time of year for the holidays.
03:21And so, visit redcross.org and learn how you can help now and in the new year.