For Second Year, Millions Turn to American Red Cross for Help after Record-Breaking Disasters

In a second consecutive year of record-breaking disasters, millions of people from coast to coast turned to the American Red Cross for shelter, food and comfort. Every step of the way, the Palmetto SC Region of the Red Cross was there to help.

This year, massive wildfires scorched more than 8.5 million acres. Dozens of local South Carolina Red Cross volunteers responded to those wildfires. What’s more, six major hurricanes impacted the United States in just three months, devastating communities across nine states, including right here in South Carolina.

A Red Cross volunteer hands out hot meals to a Conway, SC resident.

In just a few weeks’ time, the Palmetto SC Region of the Red Cross provided more than 24,000 overnight shelter stays with its partners, served more than 210,000 meals and snacks and distributed nearly 64,000 clean-up kits and other supplies to people impacted by Hurricane Florence.

“It has been a devastating year for so many people, including our neighbors in South Carolina,” said Louise Welch Williams, regional chief executive officer. “I have been so humbled by the compassion and care our volunteers have given to so many in need this year.”

LARGE DISASTER RESPONSES IN 2018 In the face of large crises this year, the Red Cross mobilized more than 14,000 disaster workers—90 percent volunteers—who:

•        Served more than 8.2 million meals and snacks with partners
•          Distributed more than 2.2 million relief items
•          Provided more than 290,000 overnight shelter stays with partners
•        Made more than 188,000 health and mental health contacts to provide support and care

A Red Crosser provides smiles and laughs to victims
of Hurricane Michael.

HOME FIRES MOST FREQUENT DISASTER Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, accounting for the vast majority of disasters that the Red Cross responds to in the U.S. This year, the Red Cross has provided recovery support for more than 73,000 households affected by home fires.

Our work continues today, as families face increased fire risks from heating equipment, decorations and cooking during the holidays and winter months. That’s why we’re working to keep people safe through our Home Fire Campaign. With generous support and local partners, Red Cross volunteers go door-to-door to install free smoke alarms and help families create home fire escape plans. 

In 2018, we:

·         Installed nearly 400,000 smoke alarms

·         Reached more than 219,000 youth through preparedness programs

·         Made more than 165,000 homes safer through home fire safety visits

In addition to this, the Red Cross was in communities every day collecting lifesaving blood. Last year, the Red Cross collected nearly 82,000 units of blood.