National relief effort underway; pre-positioned supplies and trained workers are in place
***For interview opportunities, please call 314.406.1920.***
St. Louis, Monday, August 28, 2006 - Over the next 24-hours, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter will deploy 10 local workers to Orlando, Florida in preparation for the landfall of Tropical Storm Ernesto. Trained workers from Red Cross chapters across the country and pre-positioned supplies located throughout the region are key elements of a national relief effort already underway.
Local Red Cross workers scheduled for deployment include the following:
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Larry Boyer - (O'Fallon, MO)
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Joy Cooper-Presson - (St. Louis, MO)
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Gerald Ellis - (Trenton, IL)
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Dan Flippen - (Kirkwood, MO)
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Lois Flippen - (Kirkwood, MO)
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Ralph Godsy - (High Ridge, MO)
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Sandra Godsy - (High Ridge, MO)
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Denise Wallheimer - (Caseyville, IL)
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Walter Wallheimer - (Caseyville, IL)
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Becky White - (St. Louis, MO)
Although downgraded to a tropical storm as it crossed the terrain of Cuba, weather experts indicate that Ernesto will strengthen as it re-enters the warm Gulf Waters, passing near the Florida Keys. The storm is expected to regain hurricane status prior to landfall, and the Red Cross strongly encourages residents in its path to heed any evacuation orders from local and state authorities.
About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with food, clothing, shelter and other needs in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a vast array of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of thousands of volunteers that give freely of their time.
All Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free of charge, thanks to generous public support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, emergency services or a variety of other programs provided by the organization, please call 314.516.2800, or log on to the St. Louis Area Chapter's website at www.redcrossstl.org.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and 100 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois.
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