Sheltering Fundamentals Boot Camp

The American Red Cross Western Pennsylvania Region is looking for volunteers to serve as shelter workers. People who complete our Sheltering Fundamentals Boot Camp are then eligible to be deployed to assist with the Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma Relief Operations.

To be eligible to deploy as a Red Cross volunteer, individuals must:

• Be age 18 or over with a valid driver's license and be able to drive
• Be able to deploy for a 2-3 week period
• Be able to work 12-hour shifts while deployed
• Pass a background check
• Successfully complete a Health Status Record
• Complete a 3-hour Sheltering Fundamentals Boot Camp
• Complete 2 online train courses (Disaster Cycle Services: An Overview and Everyone is Welcome)
• Complete a standard Red Cross Volunteer Application

Sheltering Fundamentals will be offered on the following dates and times. To register for a specific course, click the registration link next to the course. Upon submission of the registration form, you will be directed to a link to complete a Red Cross Volunteer Application.

There is no cost to attend a course, but advanced registration is required.

Please note that needs during a disaster operation constantly change and you may be asked to complete additional training in any of the following areas - feeding, bulk distribution, logistics, staffing, and/or disaster assessment.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Volunteer Services Team at 888-217-9599 (option 4).

** Thanks to all who attended one of our Sheltering Boot Camps in September. **

Red Cross Continues to Support Hyndman Community following Train Derailment

Earlier today, most of the residents who were evacuated due to the CSX train derailment in Hyndman were permitted back into their homes. A few residents are still not allowed to return.

The American Red Cross will continue to work in partnership with CSX and local emergency management to ensure the needs of those displaced are being met. At this point we will be based out of the HOPE for Hyndman Charter School at 130 School Drive. The Outreach Center will be open on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. for anyone who needs support or information.

“We are thrilled that most of Hyndman’s residents were able to return home earlier today when the evacuation order was lifted,” noted Dan Tobin, American Red Cross of Western Pennsylvania Director of Marketing and Communications. “We are still in the town to support those who remain displaced, and will work collaboratively with CSX and our community partners to ensure their needs are being met.”

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. You can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

Red Cross Continues to Work with CSX following Hyndman Train Derailment

American Red Cross volunteers in both Pennsylvania and Maryland continue to work closely with CSX and area first responders to assist the residents of Hyndman (Bedford County) who were evacuated following a Wednesday morning train derailment.

Red Cross representatives can be found at two Reception Centers (Tri-State Ministries Center at 152 Hyndman Road and the Bedford United Methodist Church at 132 East John Street) and are also located at several area hotels where many of the evacuees are staying. Both Centers will close at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday and will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Those requiring assistance outside those hours are encouraged to contact the CSX Incident Response Line at 800-331-4031.

“The Red Cross is committed to supporting the people of Hyndman and will remain active in the area until residents are safely back in their homes,” commented Dan Tobin, American Red Cross of Western Pennsylvania Director of Marketing and Communications. “Throughout the past two days, we have worked closely with CSX and local emergency management agencies to ensure that those impacted by this situation are having their emergency needs met.”

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. You can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

Red Cross Assists Individuals Impacted by Localized Flooding

Throughout Saturday, teams of Red Cross volunteers canvassed areas in Washington, Fayette, and Allegheny Counties to assist individuals who were impacted by localized flash flooding. Over 110 clean-up kits were distributed to families who sustained some type of flood damage, and 12 families were provided with additional assistance due to more severe home damage.

In Washington County, a shelter is currently operating at the New Eagle Recreation Hall (156 Chess Street). At one point during the day, 10 individuals visited this location. As of this evening, all those who were at the shelter were able to return home or were able to secure alterative housing. The shelter will be kept open for the time-being, until the Monongahela River has crested through that area.

In Allegheny County volunteers met with families in various Pittsburgh South Hills’ neighborhoods, while additional volunteers met with residents in the Masontown, Uniontown, and Fairchance areas of Fayette County. Red Cross volunteers were able to assess flood damage and provided support as needed to those residents.

On Sunday, the Red Cross will be back in the community to assess any additional flood-related needs. Anyone requiring Red Cross assistance due to localized flooding should call 888-217-9599 and select option 1 to reach our dispatch center to arrange to speak with a Red Cross caseworker.

Additional information will be posted to our Twitter feed @RedCrossWPA as needed.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. You can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

Red Cross Washington County Shelter Info

Updated Sunday, July 30 at 9:00 a.m.

American Red Cross Washington County Shelter information.

Shelter Locations

• New Eagle Recreation Hall on Chess Street (shelter now closed)
• South Strabane Fire Department on Oak Spring Road (shelter now closed)

Please be sure to follow us on Twitter @RedCrossWPA for updated information as it becomes known.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. You can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

Red Cross Assists Residents in Three Counties

The American Red Cross is providing assistance in Clearfield, Indiana, and Fayette Counties following flash floods that resulted from heavy storms to hit our area over the past 24 hours. Teams of volunteers dispersed into the impacted areas throughout Friday, passing out close to 150 clean-up kits and other supplies to area residents. They also provided additional resources for two families in Indiana County and one family in Fayette County whose homes sustained greater damage.

In Clearfield County, the effort focused on Coalport, Westover, and the surrounding communities. Volunteer teams met with many residents today and will be back in the area again on Saturday to meet any additional needs. The Reception Center that had been operating at St. Basil the Great Church for residents who had been evacuated has now been closed. Individuals who require Red Cross assistance in Clearfield County should call 814-371-2750 and select option 1.

In Indiana County, the effort focused on Indiana Borough, White Township, and Clymer. Red Cross volunteers will return to the area on Saturday to meet any additional needs. People with flood damage in Indiana County who need Red Cross assistance should call 724-465-5678 and select option 0.

Our Fayette County response focused on Fairchance. If people in Fayette County had flood damage and require Red Cross assistance, they should call 724-465-5678 and select option 0.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. Over the past month, the Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania has assisted individuals impacted by localized flash flooding in Clearfield, Butler, Allegheny, Indiana, Westmoreland, and Fayette Counties. You can help people affected by disasters such as these by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

Red Cross Continues to Assist Following Butler Flood

The American Red Cross has had teams of volunteers out in Butler since last Thursday to assist residents who were impacted by the area’s flash flooding. At the peak of the operation, three Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles and roughly two dozen volunteers were in the community.

To date, the Red Cross has distributed close to 225 clean-up kits, over 80 box fans, and countless meals and bottles of water to area residents. We have also provided some additional services to individuals with special needs.

As we transition to our next stage of the recovery effort, our Red Cross Service Center located at the Broad Street Elementary School will close on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. Any residents who requires American Red Cross flood relief assistance should continue to call 800-422-7677 to connect with our volunteer teams working in the area.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. Over the past month, the Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania has assisted individuals impacted by localized flash flooding in Butler, Allegheny, Indiana, Westmoreland, and Fayette Counties. You can help people affected by disasters such as these by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or mail a check made payable to the American Red Cross to P.O. Box 210, Herman, PA 16039.

Red Cross Butler Flood Recovery Effort Continues

This morning, American Red Cross teams are once again out in the community that was hit hard by this week’s flooding, working with residents to determine their needs and how best to meet those needs. Volunteers are also heading to Lyndora to work with residents who sustained flood damage in that community.

Last night, no area families stayed at the Red Cross Shelter located at Faith English Lutheran Church. The Red Cross has now closed that shelter. Our operation base will continue to be located at the Butler City Fire Department on Washington Street.
Any resident who requires American Red Cross flood relief assistance is encouraged to call 800-422-7677.

So far we have handed out over 100 clean-up kits, distributed meals throughout the flood area, and provided additional assistance to one family with special needs. We anticipate these numbers rising as we continue our operation today.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. Over the past month, the Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania has assisted individuals impacted by localized flash flooding in Butler, Allegheny, Indiana, Westmoreland, and Fayette Counties. You can help people affected by disasters such as these by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

Red Cross Assists with Butler Flood Recovery Effort

The American Red Cross, in partnership with the City of Butler, local EMA, Fire Department and other emergency services, has been assisting in flood relief efforts since the situation started late Wednesday evening, and will continue to offer assistance as long as it is needed.

Overnight on Wednesday, Red Cross volunteers staffed a Reception Center at the Butler City Fire Department on Washington Street. While no one took advantage of the all-night center, ten area residents did stop by in the morning and were provided with breakfast, courtesy of McDonald’s.

Throughout the day, Red Cross Disaster Assessment Teams canvassed the area hardest hit, providing close to 100 clean-up kits and working with those impacted to assess their immediate needs. Lunch and dinner, courtesy of Walmart, Light of Life Community Outreach of Butler, The ARC of Butler County, The Salvation Army, First Methodist Church, resident Jen Christy, and other local donors was delivered by teams of Red Cross and Salvation Army volunteers, who drove street by street through the impacted area to hand out the food.

Since 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, the Red Cross has staffed a shelter at the First English Lutheran Church on North Main Street. As of 9:00 p.m. no local residents are at the shelter site. Based upon need, a decision will be made on Friday morning as to whether or not the shelter will remain open on Friday night.

Red Cross clean-up kits are available at the Butler City Fire Department on Washington Street and at the First English Lutheran Church shelter site for as long as the site remains open. People needing Red Cross assistance are encouraged to call 800-422-7677.
Red Cross volunteer teams will be back out in the community on Friday, working with individuals to assess their needs, providing assistance when possible, and working with our community partners to identify other avenues of support for services not available through the Red Cross.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge and is made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way. Over the past month, the Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania has assisted individuals impacted by localized flash flooding in Butler, Allegheny, Indiana, Westmoreland, and Fayette Counties. You can help people affected by disasters such as these by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

Red Cross Teams Canvass Communities Hit Hard By Localized Flooding

Since the start of the flooding on Thursday evening, close to 40 Red Cross volunteers and staff have assisted individuals who were impacted by the flash-flooding that occurred in Indiana, Fayette, Westmoreland, and Allegheny Counties.

Volunteers working in teams canvassed the communities hit by the flood waters, making sure homeowners had a safe place to stay and offering referrals as needed for services that could assist with the clean-up effort. Over 60 Red Cross Clean-Up Kits were distributed to homeowners during the past few days and six total families whose homes sustained greater damage were provided with additional Red Cross assistance (4 families in Indiana County and 2 in Allegheny County).

Over the past two weekends, the Red Cross has handed out roughly 250 Clean-Up kits and has provided additional assistance and resources to approximately a dozen families following storm-related, localized flooding.

The Red Cross would like to thank the following local Indiana County establishments for providing food and refreshments to our volunteer workforce during the course of our effort in that community – Sheetz on Route 119 and McDonalds, Roseann’s Everyday Gourmet, and Chipotle on Oakland Avenue.

Anyone who has been impacted by the floodwaters and still needs assistance can contact the Red Cross. In Indiana County, residents should call 724-465-5678 (choose option 1). In Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, the number to use is 724-834-6510 (choose option 1).

Red Cross Volunteers Out in Four Counties

Red Cross volunteers are out in four different counties, making sure residents impacted by this week’s floods have the resources they need to begin the recovery process. At this point, the Red Cross has not had to provide temporary shelter to anyone in any of the impacted communities.

Indiana County – Red Cross Disaster Assessment Teams are back in the community again today, going door-to-door in the affected areas, providing clean-up kits as requested and giving referrals to residents as necessary. Anyone who needs Red Cross assistance due to the flooding in Indiana County should call 724-465-5678 and choose option 1. The Red Cross is extremely grateful to the following Indiana County local establishments who have provided food and refreshments to our volunteer workforce – Sheetz (Route 119), and McDonalds, Roseann’s Everyday Gourmet, and Chipotle (all on Oakland Avenue).

Fayette and Westmoreland Counties – Red Cross Disaster Assessment Teams will be in the community today and tomorrow (if needed) to provide clean-up kits to area residents and to offer referrals for services that we are not able to provide. In these counties, residents who need flood-related assistance are asked to call 724-834-6510 and choose option 1.

Allegheny County – Red Cross Disaster Action Team members have met with two families who experienced water damage due to the storm.

Washington County – We have not received any calls concerning tornado damage at this point.

Red Cross Volunteers Assisting Flood Relief Efforts in Multiple Western PA Counties

Heavy storms that moved through our area on Friday caused flooding in many communities throughout our region. The Red Cross has dispatched teams of volunteers to assist in various locations.

Fayette County – Flooding has impacted Redstone and Menallen Townships and a reception center was established at the Republic Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall (218 Republic Street, Uniontown) for those who needed to evacuate their homes. The Red Cross has a team onsite to support the local authorities in making sure everyone has a safe place to stay. As of 10:30, no one from the community was at this site.

Westmoreland County – A few people who have been displaced by floodwaters in Ligonier are currently at the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company (1280 Darlington Road). Red Cross volunteers are at this location to assist the town and will provide services as needed.

Allegheny County – The Red Cross has provided a clean-up kit to one family and is scheduled to meet with a second family who has experienced water damage from today’s storms.

Indiana County – Red Cross Disaster Assessment Teams worked all day to assist the Indiana County Emergency Management Association. We provided roughly 30 clean-up kits to area families. Our teams will be back in the community again tomorrow. Anyone who needs Red Cross assistance due to the flooding in Indiana County should call 724-465-5678 and choose option 1.

Red Cross Western Pennsylvania Region Blog Site

Welcome to the American Red Cross Western Pennsylvania Region Blog Site.

In the event of a regional disaster, we will utilize this page to relay up-to-date information concerning the Red Cross response for the impacted area. This could include shelter information and/or how to seek assistance before, during, and after a crisis situation.