Billed as the biggest storm in the past century, Hurricane Sandy lived up to the hype and more, packing a hurricane-sized punch as it slammed into the Jersey Shore on Monday, killing at least 18 people from West Virginia to North Carolina and Connecticut.
From major flooding to widespread power outages, the death toll is expected to continue to rise.
7 million people across the East Coast of America are without power across seven states. The extensive damaged is expected to cost a staggering $20 billion.
President Obama declared a “major disaster” in New York and Long Island after Sandy unleashed her wrath.
The massive storm that started out as Hurricane Sandy slammed into the East Coast and morphed into a huge and problematic system, putting more than 7.3 million homes and businesses in the dark and causing at least 16 deaths.
Thousands of people across the country sought Red Cross shelters beginning Sunday and through Monday night.
And now is the time to help.
Here is all the information via the Red Cross that you need to know, either to help loved ones or to contribute.
The Red Cross has deployed more than 1,300 disaster workers to the region from all over the country to help those affected by the storm. As many as 160 emergency vehicles are ready to respond when it is safe to do so, and more than 230,000 ready-to-eat meals have been sent into the area.
“Sandy is a large and dangerous storm, and will affect large parts of the eastern part of the country for the next few days, said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. “We urge people to remain in a safe place until it passes, and to listen to instructions from local officials.”
To find a Red Cross shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site , call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767.)”
People can also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.
HOW TO HELP
“This will be a large, costly relief response and the Red Cross needs help now,” Shimanski said. “People can help by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief online, by text or by phone.”
Financial donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org , call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
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