Red Cross responds to nearly twice as many large disasters in the U.S. as a decade ago; Alabama at risk for more intense disasters
BIRMINGHAM — During National Preparedness Month in September, the Red Cross of Alabama urges everyone to prepare for worsening extreme weather affecting more Alabamians, which have experienced intense rain and wind events and extreme heat.
Severe weather like this is part of a worsening national trend in which the American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago.
As rapidly intensifying weather-related events pose serious challenges to its humanitarian work and the people it serves, the Red Cross has announced an ambitious national plan to take urgent action. With more climate-driven disasters upending lives and devastating communities, the organization is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country while also funding new international programs on climate response and preparedness, as well as minimizing its own environmental footprint.
Here in Alabama, this includes recruiting and training more volunteers to respond to disasters locally and across the country, advancing community partnerships through a special disaster resilience program aimed at enhancing local nonprofits specializing in health, hunger, and housing to strengthen their programs before a disaster and to serve families hit hard by this new increasing state of climate disasters.
“As the frequency and intensity of disasters grow, more people need help more often,” said Regional Chief Executive Officer Mark Beddingfield. “Yet as fast as our volunteers are working to help, the needs are escalating faster. That’s why it’s critical to not only prepare yourself for risks like tornadoes, floods, and extreme heat in our community but also help families in need — locally and in other parts of the country. Join us by becoming a volunteer.”
For National Preparedness Month, take three lifesaving actions — get a kit, make a plan, and be informed — to help protect yourself against local emergencies. Follow safety tips now at redcross.org/prepare. You can also deliver relief and care to families facing climate disasters by becoming a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/VolunteerToday.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN DISASTERS STRIKE With the increasing threat of climate disasters, including the strengthening storm in the Gulf, it’s more important than ever during National Preparedness Month to prepare yourself and your loved ones for crises that could happen in your community. Visit redcross.org/prepare for information on taking three simple and lifesaving actions now — get a kit, make a plan, and be informed — or download the free Red Cross Emergency app, which provides real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross disaster shelter locations, and more.
MOUNTING U.S. DISASTER RESPONSES In the first half of 2023 alone, the nation experienced an above-average 15 billion-dollar disasters. Alabama has been impacted by four (4) events totaling over $500 million in costs.
That’s all on top of extreme heat in Alabama — which has made July the country’s hottest single month on record. What’s more, the U.S. is just now entering its typical peak time for hurricanes and wildfires, rising from an average of three per year in the 1980s to 13 per year during the 2010s.
Locally, the Red Cross has responded to over 220 disaster events since the start of 2023.
ADAPTING TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS As extreme weather disasters increase, more people need help from the Red Cross in the U.S. Nationwide, the organization is taking bold and thoughtful actions to adapt its services and grow its capacity by:
- Enhancing large-scale disaster response services by bolstering the aid provided in emergency shelters and extending casework support to help people with the most recovery needs.
- Expanding financial assistance to help more families with unmet needs and bridge the gap between immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery assistance.
- Strengthening local partner networks in targeted areas that face a high risk of extreme weather and existing societal inequities with a focus on increased access to health and mental health services, nutritious food, and safe housing for local families. Montgomery County is one of 15 U.S. communities participating in this innovative Red Cross disaster resilience program to strengthen the capability and capacity of select local partners — both before and after disasters strike.
- Growing its disaster workforce — comprised of 90% trained volunteers — to deepen its disaster readiness. This includes fortifying the critical infrastructure and technology that enables 24/7 response to disasters nationwide.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER IMPACTS TO THE NATIONAL BLOOD SUPPLY The Red Cross has seen a significant shortfall in blood and platelet donations over the last month, making it hard to keep pace with the need for blood products. Blood and platelet donations that go uncollected due to climate-related events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme heat, can further strain the national blood supply. As extreme weather events worsen, the Red Cross sees that translate into more blood drive cancellations. In 2022, over 1,300 blood drives were canceled due to weather — about 23% higher than the average of the prior nine years.
As a thank you for helping ensure the nation’s blood supply is prepared for all emergencies, from disasters to medical emergencies, all who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Details are available at rcblood.org/racetogive. Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you are unable to give blood you can volunteer to support blood collections. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.
