AMERICAN RED CROSS

A deadly tornado practically destroyed the small town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi and the surrounding areas, killing dozens and leaving a community in need of help.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated a long-running pattern in giving by foundations and charities for health and natural disasters, a new Chronicle analysis of nine years of data show.

Tornado victims staying at a makeshift shelter in Pasadena who thought they would have to be out by Friday, are now learning that’s not the case.

The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast region is continuing to support those affected by the tornado that impacted the Houston area.

The Red Cross set up shop in Houston and in Pasadena on Thursday to provide assistance to families impacted and displaced by last week’s tornado.

A powerful storm system took aim at the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, spawning a tornado that caused damage east of Houston.

More than 350,000 Americans die from a sudden cardiac arrest each year.

Understanding the worst blood shortage in the U.S. in more than a decade

On Wednesday, Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida.

With students heading back into the classroom soon, the American Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast Region, wanted to help kids remain safe as they head back to school.

Two Cypress Independent School District employees were awarded by the American Red Cross for using their training to save a student athlete’s life during a water polo game in April, according to a release.

You hear it often: There’s a need for blood donors -- but there’s apparently a particular need for the Black community to step up and donate.

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters along the Texas Gulf Coast for anyone impacted by flooding due to Tropical Storm Nicholas.

The Red Cross is sending supplies and is ready to help people in Louisiana who are preparing for Hurricane Ida.

Four people were killed and 159 people remain unaccounted for after the collapse of a condominium building in Florida, officials said. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

FILE - In this March 31, 2020 file photo, a leaning sign sits in front of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. “There’s no other way to claim it than a Biden border crisis.”Texas Gov. The memo sent to Dallas City Council members says the Federal Emergency Management Agency and HHS will “be responsible for providing shelter management and contracts” for food, security, cleaning, and medical care at the convention center. Dallas previously offered space to HHS during the 2014 surge of crossings of immigrant children. HHS also has said it will house immigrant youths in Midland.

HOUSTON – Houstonians adjusting their clocks forward this weekend should also be sure smoke alarms are working properly. The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast region is encouraging Houstonians to test their smoke alarms. A properly working smoke alarm can significantly reduce the risk of fires, officials said. To make sure your smoke alarm is working, do the following:Be sure there is at least one smoke alarm installed on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms and sleeping areas. For more fire safety, visit the American Red Cross website here.

While smart phones, tablets and computers give us quick ways to communicate and access information, staying connected during a disaster can be tricky.

I’d heard rumblings that you could give blood through the American Red Cross, and they’d test your blood for antibodies. Worth mentioning: The Red Cross says it’s a perfectly safe time to donate, despite COVID-19. How to interpret your resultsMine said: “COVID-19 Test Result: NEGATIVE.” And I blanked for a second, as in, “Negative? Learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing.” (It’s like the Red Cross knows that we’re not all health experts). The Red Cross could use your donation one way or the other.

Volunteers wearing disposable masks walked from group to group, taking down their information and asking what they need for the days ahead. Normally, they'd be gathering in school gymnasiums and meeting halls, sleeping on cots and eating at buffet lines, all provided by organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other faith and community groups. When possible, displaced residents are sent to hotels instead of group shelters. In group shelters, staffers are using plastic pipes strung with clear shower curtains to separate evacuees but allow them to see out from their own socially distanced areas. In Oregon, group shelters are set up at churches, colleges and community buildings, while malls, golf courses and other businesses opened parking for evacuees who can stay in recreational vehicles.

HOUSTON – A Louisiana family said they evacuated for Hurricane Laura only to end up living out of their vehicle in Houston. They said they left their information with the American Red Cross and waited, but didn’t hear back. KPRC 2 contacted the American Red Cross and the state of Texas and stayed with the family as they spoke to both the group and the agency. In the end, Thomas said the Red Cross will cover rooms for the night at the hotel where the family was parked. So far, the state of Texas said it has provided more than 10,000 evacuees with more than 3,500 hotel rooms.

HOUSTON Storms can put a strain on emergency helplines across the Houston area. To help avoid issues with accessing emergency services, call 911 only in the case of an emergency. Dont use 911 for any other purpose, including checking the weather or any other weather-related non-emergency need, as doing so can delay help to people who need emergency assistance. However, if you do have an emergency need, call 911 and do not hang up. MORE: LIST: Here is a breakdown of help lines by county.

HOUSTON – American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage after many blood drive events were canceled during this coronavirus pandemic. In order to help out, Lakewood Church announced it is hosting an emergency blood drive starting Monday. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is following all heightened CDC recommendations regarding sanitization and safety to provide a clean, safe environment for donation. To register for the blood drive, sign up on the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center website. Register on the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center website

HOUSTON – The American Red Cross is helping families Tuesday night after a fire damaged several homes in southeast Houston. The Houston Fire Department responded to the fire just before 6 p.m. near Avenue C and 76th Street. “She heard a boom in the back garage apartment,” HFD Chief Rochas said of the adult female survivor. When we turned the corner, we saw the column of smoke.”A fire captain was transported for observation for heat exhaustion, Rochas said. About a dozen people were displaced and five homes and apartment homes were damaged or destroyed.

HOUSTON – About 200 homes are damaged, in some cases, destroyed in an explosion Friday morning at the Watson Grinding & Manufacturing in northwest Houston. The American Red Cross has established an overnight shelter at Fairbanks United Methodist Church at 14210 Aston St. for those displaced by the explosion. The Red Cross said the shelter will stay open so long as there is a need. Volunteers are asking those who want to help the people to bring packaged food or donate to the Red Cross. Users can offer or request help as well as mark themselves safe from the Houston explosion.