Red Cross Media Alerts

Apartment Fire Udate

2007-06-26T10:55:00.000-05:00

Birmingham- The American Red Cross is encouraging families affected by the fire at
Montevallo Apartments 339 3rd Ave. SW, to make appointments and come to our Service Center located at 2250 9th Avenue North (Downtown Birmingham). Due to extreme temperatures we would like clients to be in a cool environment where we can provide assistance and snacks or lunch if needed. Anyone with transportation issues can call 458 8282 and we will send a case worker back to the apartment fire scene for on site help.

Apartment Fire

2007-06-26T10:23:00.000-05:00

Birmingham--June 26. The American Red Cross is responding to an apartment fire at Montevallo apartments 339 3rd av sw Bham. 6-8 families possibly affected. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Timber Ridge Apartment Fire

2007-06-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

The Red Cross ARCHIE team responded to the Timber Ridge apartments to assist residents affected by an early morning fire. Eight units were destroyed and several people suffered injuries from smoke inhalation or broken bones. We're told some residents jumped from the second floor to escape the flames. According to a Birmingham Fire Service spokesperson, none of the injuries are life threatening.

People in 5 of the 8 units affected have family members in the hospital at this time. The Red Cross has already serviced 4 of the 8 families, will see another family this afternoon and is attempting to locate the two remaining families. The Red Cross has already provided food, clothing, shoes and other items to help clients with their immediate needs.

The apartment manager says each family will be able to relocate in other apartments that are available.

Timber Ridge Apartment Fire

2007-06-04T11:10:00.000-05:00

The Red Cross ARCHIE team responded to the Timber Ridge apartments to assist residents affected by the early morning fire. Eight units were destroyed and several people suffered injuries from smoke inhalation or broken bones. We're told some residents jumped from the second floor to escape the flames. According to a Birmingham Fire Service spokesperson, none of the injuries are life threatening.

People in 5 of the 8 units affected have family members in the hospital at this time. The Red Cross has already serviced 4 of the 8 families, will see another family this afternoon and is attempting to locate the two remaining families.

The apartment manager says each family will be able to relocate in other apartments that are available.

Bessemer Fire Response Update

2007-05-31T15:52:00.001-05:00

Those affected by the fire in two units will be receive financial assistance from the American Red Cross Bessemer Service Center tomorrow morning while the Red Cross ARCHIE team will take care the immediate needs of those affected through this evening.

Bessemer Fire Response

2007-05-31T15:17:00.001-05:00

The ARCHIE team of the Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross responded to a six unit apartment fire at Pine Apartments in Bessemer. Three upper level units are totally destroyed while three units below have smoke and water damage. Red Cross is currently on the scene providing assistance for those affected by the fire. We will update you with further information as it comes in.

Center Point Apartment Fire Update

2007-05-04T14:54:00.000-05:00

CENTER POINT, May 4, 2007- This is an update from a previous email that included preliminary information. Currently the Red Cross is providing services for more than 43 people affected by the Center Point Parkway Mirage apartment fire. We have consulted with 12 of the 13 families displaced by the fire. !6 units were damaged or destroyed, 13 of which were occupied. We are in the process of contacting the remaining family to offer assistance.

All families have shelter in vacant apartments provided by the apartment manager. A.R.C.H.I.E. (Red Cross Helps in Emergencies) staff and volunteers provided client assistance cards for basic needs including clothing, food and other immediate necessities. Lunch and snacks were served to affected families and first responders earlier today. Three case workers will remain on the scene until 3pm today. A translator from the apartment complex is also on site to assist with clients.

We will continue getting numbers and other information from people who have not sought help in order to facilitate assistance. We are working to help all clients before the close of business today. Those needing help from the Red Cross can call 205 458 8282.

Center Point Apartment Fire

2007-05-04T09:32:00.000-05:00

Center Point, May 4, 2007- The American Red Cross A.R.C.H.I.E. (American Red Cross Helps in Emergencies) team responded and is currently on the scene of a 2 alarm apartment fire at 1808 Centerbrook Lane. Approximately 13 units are destroyed displacing about 70 people. The apartment manager has agreed to move affected residents into vacant apartments that are available.

Red Cross staff and volunteers will serve lunch at 11:45 Friday morning from the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). Two case workers are on site to help those affected by the fire. Residents in need of assistance can call the Red Cross Service Center at 205 458 8799.

Fire Response

2007-03-21T15:33:00.001-05:00

The ARCHIE team of the Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross responded to a multi unit apartment fire at Pearson Avenue SW. 11 units were affected - two were total destroyed and the others had light smoke and water damage. Red Cross is currently interviewing and assisting those affected by the fire and will be opening a shelter. Red Cross is also working with the local fire department to assist the victims in retrieving their medications from the damaged apartment units.

Hopewell Church (4817 Jefferson Avenue SW Building #2, 35221) has agreed to serve as a shelter. Red Cross is working on getting supplies set up and shelter team in place by 4:00 pm. The shelter will be closing at 8:00 pm if there are no affected families needing to stay there.

Alabama and Georgia Updates

2007-03-02T09:53:00.000-06:00

Red Cross website links are available for updated information on the Alabama and Georgia severe weather disasters.
http://redcrossal.wordpress.com
http://redcrossga.wordpress.com

Adamsville Severe Weather Response

2007-03-01T20:03:00.000-06:00

Adamsville, Jefferson County-Red Cross volunteers responded to the Midway United Methodist Church command center in the Adamsville area shortly after the severe weather event in the Birmingham Chapter ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle). Meals are currently being served to storm evacuees and emergency personnel.

A shelter is open at the Mountain Street Church of God, 200 Mountain Street, Adamsville. It is capable of housing around 50 people. Red Cross staff members are making provisions to open another shelter in the area if and when that service is needed.

Red Cross case workers and damage assessment teams will be in the affected neighborhoods Friday morning to further assist those in need of services.

For emergency assistance please call 205 458 8282.

Birmingham Homeless Assistance

2007-02-20T14:48:00.000-06:00

Red Cross staff will have blankets, comfort kits and MRE's that will be placed in the Birmingham Service Center for Don Lupo to pickup Wednesday 2/21/07 by 1:00 P M. Don will deliver the supplies to the Firehouse shelter and they will distribute the supplies to those in need. This will be a one time event. Periodically, the chapter has the recourses to support our community helping those in need that are outside our guidelines for a disaster response. If you have questions please contact Cindy Bahri at 458 8263 or Chris Osborne at 966 8795.

Bibb Co. Tornado Update

2007-02-14T15:30:00.000-06:00

Bibb County- The National Weather Service confirmed the severe weather event Tuesday evening was consistent with an F1 tornado. Thursday morning Red Cross staff members and volunteers responded with the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and provided assistance to storm victims and those working in the area with about 30 lunch meals, clean up kits and blankets.

Two mobile homes were destroyed, five homes suffered minor damage and one home sustained major damage. Approximately eight families were affected.

Princeton Ave Fire Update

2007-02-14T15:26:00.000-06:00

Birmingham, AL- The apartment complex at 1320 Princeton Avenue contained 6 untis, 5 were occupied. The Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently assisting three of the five families displaced by the fire. The complex owner is working to relocate those affected.

Fire Response

2007-02-14T13:04:00.000-06:00

Sgt. Peacock with Birmingham Fire Department verified a fire occurred at 1320 Princeton Ave early this morning. Red Cross/ARCHIE was not called. Per ARCHIE the top portion of the unit appeared to be destroyed including unit E. No other information on the families involved or the name of the apartment complex provided at this time. ARCHIE states there is no name listed on the unit and the fire department is unaware of the name. Also, we have not received any calls from families at this time.

Bibb Co. Disaster Response

2007-02-13T19:36:00.000-06:00

Bibb County, AL- The American Red Cross is currently working with EMA and other officials to assess severe weather damage in the Bibb County Area along County Road 1. Two mobile homes suffered major damage or have been destroyed, and four houses sustained damage. All of the affected families have sought shelter with relatives. So far there are no reports of injuries. Red Cross staff and volunteers will continue to provide further assistance as needed.

Florida Disaster Response

2007-02-06T13:06:00.000-06:00

We have established an information site for the Florida tornadoes on www.wordpress.com. This will be updated often via public affairs crews working on the disaster. We encourage you to to visit this site for updated information http://redcrossflorida.wordpress.com.

Disaster Response Update

2007-02-02T16:20:00.000-06:00

Two Local Red Cross volunteers once again respond to the call of duty deploying to the storm and tornado affected areas of Florida. Theodore Childress and Jean Piersol are driving the Birmingham Area Chapter's Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to Florida to provide mass care relief. They will be leaving in the ERV tomorrow morning around 5:00 a.m. from the SEC parking lot. Childress and Piersol of Jefferson County has been providing Red Cross assistance for several years responding to many local and national responses. Those interested in becoming a part of disaster response for American Red Cross should call Volunteer Services at 205-458-8253.

Disaster Response

2007-02-02T13:47:00.000-06:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross have recruited four volunteers to travel to the affected areas of Florida and provide mass care. The Chapter is ready to deploy theses volunteers for this three week commitment if the Southeast Service Area calls us to respond.

Deadly storms swept across central Florida early this morning killing 14 people (reported by CNN), damaging homes and toppling trees. Counties affected by the storms and tornadoes include Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Marion and Orange. FEMA reports that an early assessment indicates Lake County was the hardest hit, with at least 60 to 100 homes damaged and two fatalities. In Marion and Sumter Counties, 500 homes have been damaged. In Volusia County, New Smyrna Beach subdivisions reported extensive damage and the area around Turnbull Bay and the New Smyrna Beach Airport was heavily damaged. There are reports of damage in the areas of Hawthorne Hills, Lake Beresford and Hontoon Island. Also, a multi-vehicular accident with four tractor trailers closed I-4. Energy companies are reporting approximately 45,000 customers are without power.

Fire Response

2007-01-22T10:53:00.001-06:00

This morning at 12:10 A.M., the American Red Cross ARCHIE team responded to a multi-family fire at 109 19th Street NE Apt. 2 and 109 19th Street NE Apt. 3 in Birmingham. One unit sustained smoke and water damage with fire damage to one bedroom. The other unit sustained smoke and water damage only. One family is expected to come into the office today at 11:30 A.M. and we are making arrangements to access the needs of the other family. Both families were placed in a hotel until our office opened this morning.

The American Red Cross ARCHIE team also responded to a single family fire at 5316 Avenue in Bessemer yesterday. The home was totally destroyed and the family was placed in a hotel until today. The family is expected to be serviced at the American Red Cross Bessemer Service Center today.

Disaster Response

2007-01-18T11:59:00.000-06:00

Local Red Cross volunteers once again respond to the call of duty deploying to the mid-west winter and ice storm. Theodore Childress and Wheeler Pounds are driving the Birmingham Area Chapter's Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to Muskogee, Oklahoma to provide mass care relief. Childress of Jefferson County has been providing Red Cross assistance since 2004 responding to many local and national responses. Pounds of Walker County has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer for ten years and has served as Chairman for the Walker County Service Center in Jasper. This assignment is a "hardship" assignment due to the extreme cold and weather, power outages and travel conditions. Those interested in becoming a part of disaster response for American Red Cross should call Volunteer Services at 205-458-8253.

Fire Response

2007-01-11T15:38:00.000-06:00

Today, American Red Cross ARCHIE team responded to an apartment fire at --1420 13th Avenue South. Six apartment units were destroyed. Red Cross will be providing food, clothing and possibly shelter to all six families who will be coming in for assistance today.

Last night, American Red Cross ARCHIE team responded to a five unit apartment fire in Ensley on Avenue X. Three units were affected by this fire. Two were destroyed and one united had minor damages. Red Cross is currently assisting them with basic needs.

Fire Response

2006-12-11T13:46:00.000-06:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross has responded to seven different fires over the past four days which affected eight families.

The Red Cross ARCHIE team responded in the late afternoon of Friday, December 9th to a fire at 1645 Avenue Q in Ensley. ARCHIE verified that the kitchen was destroyed and the rest of the house had minor smoke and water damage. Red Cross housed the family in a hotel for the weekend and today provided them money for food.

On Sunday, December 10th the ARCHIE team responded to a fire at 828 6th Way in Pratt City. ARCHIE responded verifying the home was destroyed. American Red Cross provided the family with clothing packs, comfort kits and lodging. Today Red Cross provided the family with money for food and clothing.

This morning the Red Cross ARCHIE team responded to a duplex fire at 1514 Cullman Avenue affecting two families. ARCHIE responded verifying one unit sustained major damage and the other unit minor damage. Red Cross provided clothing packs and comfort kits on the scene to the families. Red Cross continued to provided one of the families with referrals, money for clothing and food as well as lodging was for one night. The other family had relatives in the area that they are currently staying with.

In Bessemer three families were affected by three separate fires over the weekend. One family lived on Main Street in Brighton and ARCHIE responded giving them clothing packs and comfort kits. Further assistance is pending waiting on verification of residency. The second fire affected an elderly couple living on Avenue E in Bessemer, Red Cross is providing them with food and clothing. The third fire affected a family living on Ray Place in Bessemer and they are coming into the receive additional assistance today.

In Blount County Red Cross responded to a fire on Friday, December 9th that affected one family with total damage to their home. Red Cross is currently providing them with assistance.

2006-11-03T15:32:00.000-06:00

Military Support

2006-11-03T15:26:00.000-06:00

In support of National Veterans Awareness Week from November 5th through November 11th, American Red Cross is involved in many events to honor and prepare our troops and veterans.

American Red Cross, Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) is assisting 200 to 300 members of the local Navy-Marine Reserves and their families cope with the reality and preparation of deployment using the Red Cross Get to Know Us before You Need Us program. Red Cross workers will be making this presentation on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at 1:30 P.M. located in the Navy Operation Support Center on 4th Avenue in Bessemer. The Get to Know Us before You Need Us program was developed to reach out to the military members and their families. Red Cross workers will be briefing departing service members and their families regarding available support services and explain how the Red Cross may assist them during the deployment. Red Cross will provide information regarding tips for military spouses, deployment checklists, tips for returning military members, and how to use the American Red Cross during family emergencies when a National Guard or Reserve member is absent.

Red Cross will also be participating in the local 59th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, November 11th in downtown Birmingham. Eric Gregory and James Alfred, both U.S. Army veterans, will be driving the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) throughout the event. Eric Gregory is also a Red Cross ARCHIE volunteer and Command Sergeant Major for the Alabama State Defense Force. James Alfred is currently a Captain for the Alabama State Defense Force.

2006-10-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

Fire Response

2006-10-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross responded to a six unit apartment fire this morning at 7753 2nd Avenue South in Eastlake. The Red Cross A.R.C.H.I.E. team arrived around 2 a.m. to find one unit was completely destroyed and others had heavy smoke and water damage. All residents affected by this fire have family members or friends they can temporarily stay with in the area.

2006-09-23T11:32:00.000-05:00

Tornado Response

2006-09-23T11:11:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross is continuing respond to the tornado that touched down in Blount County Friday night. Red Cross currently has two Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV’s) on the road providing food and damage assessment to those affected.

87 meals were distributed last night, 100 were served this morning and 100 lunches are currently being provided by the services of Red Cross. Ten homes have been assessed with roof damage.

The Red Cross closed the shelter that was available at the World Outreach Center in Oneonta at 1:30 a.m. due to no population. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is staffed with volunteers working to provide assistance. Volunteers are in place that speak Spanish so the Hispanic community can be serviced as well.

2006-09-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

2006-09-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

Lifesaving Award

2006-09-12T15:30:00.000-05:00

On Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., American Red Cross will be at Trussville City Hall honoring local hero, Trent Williamson who saved a 9-year-old boy.

The child was enjoying a pool party with his baseball team when he was spotted floating facedown in the shallow end of the pool. Williamson, an off duty lifeguard, pulled the boy out of the pool and preformed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) saving the boy’s life. The child was taken to the hospital and was released five hours later.

Williamson was CPR and First Aid certified by the Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross in April 2006 as part of his lifeguard training. Red Cross will be presenting him with a lifesaving award.

“Trent is a true example of why Red Cross provides training in CPR, First Aid and Life guarding,” says Kristy Day, Director of Health and Safety. “The goal of American Red Cross is to have more individuals in our community trained to respond to emergencies.”

The City of Trussville will also be issuing a proclamation declaring Sept. 12 as “Trent Williamson Day.”

For more information about the programs and services offered by American Red Cross, please contact the Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross at (205) 458-8274. When you help the Red Cross, you help your neighbors!

Fire Response

2006-09-08T18:26:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter's ARCHIE team responded at 5 a.m. to a 13 unit apartment fire at 500 Tuscaloosa Ave. One unit was totally destroyed. Four units had major damage with extreme water/smoke damage. Five with smoke damage only and three units had no fire damage.

Red Cross has opened a shelter at First Baptist Church at Acipco for about 24 residents affected by this fire. The Red Cross shelter is scheduled to be open tonight through Monday afternoon while the apartement complex works on get new units for the families and power restored.

(Please e-mail Lindsey if you use this for broadcast)

2006-09-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

Fire Response

2006-09-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter's ARCHIE team responded at 5:00 a.m. to a 13 unit apartment fire at 500 Tuscaloosa Ave. One unit was totally destroyed. Four units had major damage with extreme water/smoke damage. Five with smoke damage only and three units had no fire damage.

Red Cross has assisted the family that receive total damage to their unit with shelter tonight and are currently working to assist the families that received major damage to their units. Red Cross will also be assessing the needs of the families with smoke damage. The apartment complex is providing all the 51 people affected with new units tomorrow.

2006-08-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

Fire response

2006-08-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter is helping 2 families affected by an apartment fire in Hoover.

Four units at Wildwood Apts were affected, two of those destroyed. The management is working to place the two families with minor damage in vacant units. The other two families won't be placed today, and have been assisted at the American Red Cross service center in Shelby County.
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Via Blackberry

Weekly test

2006-07-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

This is the weekly test of the Red Cross Community Alert system. If you got a pop up message, then your download is working just fine.

Advisory

2006-07-17T07:15:00.000-05:00

Ike Pigott will be out of the office until Wednesday, July 19.

Please forward all Red Cross media inquiries to Jean Petties, at 458-8285.

Thanks.

Weekly test message

2006-07-12T13:42:00.000-05:00

Just a friendly reminder that you have the Red Cross/Jefferson County EMA Alert system running on your computer.

Thanks for your interest -- and stay tuned...

Weekly test

2006-07-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

This is just a friendly reminder that the Red Cross Community Alert System is up and running on your machine.

If you have any questions about the system, or are having problems installing it on other computers, give Ike a call at 458-8245.

Multi-Unit Fire

2006-07-02T07:42:00.000-05:00

Volunteers from the Birmingham Area Chapter helped six families overnight, after a fire in Ensley.

The Fire happened around midnight in an apartment building at 3408 Avenue E. The affected families were given a place to stay, and emergency clothing and provisions to get them through to Monday. Our caseworkers will see them Monday morning.

Norwood Blvd Fire

2006-06-23T10:01:00.000-05:00

ARCHIE (American Red Cross Help in Emergency) responded on scene to a house fire on 2809 Norwood Blvd. All ten members are safe and there were no injuries. The Red Cross provided emergency assistance with hotel lodging, clothing and food. The family home, although destroyed is
insured.

Jean Johnson Petties
Senior Director of Community Relations
American Red Cross
Birmingham Area Chapter
(205) 458-8285

Test of the system

2006-06-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

Just a test to make sure the system is running alright.

Media Advisory

2006-06-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

Ike Pigott will be out of town for the next few days.

Please refer media questions to Jean Petties or Cherry Rollins.

Ike returns on the 20th.
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Warehouse Fire response

2006-06-08T13:44:00.000-05:00

Birmingham Fire and Rescue has asked for Red Cross assistance during the response to a warehouse fire, on 1st Avenue North around 14th and 15th Streets.

The Red Cross is already on scene to serve snacks and cold drinks to the firefighters and police securing the scene, allowing them to stay on the job longer. We're already identifying additional volunteers to keep our assistance moving as long as the fire department needs us there. This sort of activity is a common role we play in partnership with first responders.

We are not aware of any residential element to this disaster.

Weekly test

2006-06-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter is running a weekly test on the Alert system.

Just a note: the First Aid/Health and Safety class calendar is now available for download from our website as a .pdf file.

Thanks for using the Alert system. So far, the program has been downloaded for installation 488 times in Central Alabama.

Alert system

2006-05-31T15:53:00.000-05:00

Just a late afternoon test for the Red Cross Community Alert System.

We now have tallied 460 local downloads of the Desktop Alert program. Thanks for your support.

Remember -- hurricane season starts tomorrow, June 1st. We've already tracked Tropical Storm Aletta into Acapulco, Mexico, and there are many more to come this summer.

Interested media are invited to contact the Red Cross about new information related to this Atlantic hurricane season. We've also got hurricane preparedness information available online -- and a reminder for our shelter operations class which is open to the public June 9th.

Thanks again for staying active and alert in your community.

Barrington update

2006-05-26T14:47:00.000-05:00

Our damage assessment count at the Barrington on the Green Apartments shows a total of 14 units being affected, with one of them being vacant. Of the 13 damaged:

3 destroyed
4 heavy smoke and water
6 light damage

Our caseworkers have finished for the day, providing assistance to six of the affected families. Two families are out of town until Tuesday, and the property manager has been in touch with the remaining five.

All have information about how to reach us when they are ready for casework.

(Please e-mail Ike if you use this for broadcast)

Barrington Fire Update

2006-05-26T13:17:00.000-05:00

Our damage assessment count at the Barrington on the Green Apartments shows a total of 14 units being affected, with one of them being vacant. Of the 13 damaged:

3 destroyed
4 heavy smoke and water
6 light damage

Our caseworkers have finished for the day, providing assistance to six of the affected families. Two families are out of town until Tuesday, and the property manager has been in touch with the remaining five. All have information about how to reach us when they are ready for casework.

Red Cross responds to apartment fire

2006-05-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter is on scene providing assistance at an apartment fire in Hoover. Our mobile feeding truck is providing drinks and snacks to those directly affected by the fire, as well as first responders from the city of Hoover.

Our initial information is that six units have been affected at Barrington on the Green off Highway 150 (near the WalMart shopping center.) We have not finished our disaster assessment, and plan to provide client casework at the site later today.

More information as it becomes available.

Audio with Ike Pigott,
Public Affairs Officer

(Please e-mail Ike if you use this for broadcast)

Hurricane Forecast

2006-05-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

The 2006 Atlantic forecast is out, and here is a summary:

80% chance of heavier-than-normal season
15% chance of normal season
5% chance of lighter-than-normal season
13-16 named storms
8-10 named hurricanes
4-6 hurricanes of Category 3 or higher

Here's a Red Cross hurricane resource page you can link to from your site -- feel free to grab information.

Ike will be out of the office after 1pm, and not back until Friday.

Thanks...

Contact advisory

2006-05-19T12:41:00.000-05:00

Ike will be out for most of next week.

Your contact for Monday through Thursday will be Jean Petties.

Ike will return on Friday the 26th.

This is a test...

2006-05-17T14:10:00.000-05:00

...of the Red Cross Media Alert System.

It's been a little quiet for local calamities and disasters. No doubt we are jinxing things by mentioning it.

Thanks for being one of the 372 people who have downloaded and installed this program. (Don't worry, we don't know who you are -- you anonymously tripped an electronic turnstile so we could keep a count, nothing more.)

Faster and more efficient disaster communication helps everyone in our community. Thanks for playing a part.

Weekly test

2006-05-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

This is only a test of the Red Cross Media Alert system.

If you are reading this message, thanks for downloading and installing this software. As of today, the program has been downloaded 483 times, with 320 of those being in the local Birmingham Area Chapter jurisdiction. We appreciate your support, and your eagerness to plug into community disaster information.

(We are less than a month out from the start of Hurricane Season -- and this page might get very busy sooner than we'd like.)

Weather preparations

2006-04-21T13:15:00.000-05:00

Given the strong chance of severe weather blowing through central Alabama ths evening, the Birmingham Area Chapter has started a calldown. Our volunteers are being asked to check in with their availability for tonight through tomorrow morning.

If we end up activating any volunteers or shelters, we will post that information here.

No casework needed

2006-04-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

Red Cross disaster assessment volunteers, working with the St. Clair County EMA, have finished checking out the homes that sustained damage from last night's storms.

Almost all of the damage was classified as minor, and not create any emergency needs for those residents. Those affected residents did not indicate any hardships caused by the storm (like a lack of a safe place to stay or inability to access resources).

Damage Assessment

2006-04-20T09:59:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter of the Red Cross has checked with six county EMAs, and the only damage reports from last night's storms are coming out of St. Clair County. St. Clair County EMA is reporting 7 houses with storm damage, one of those houses being vacant. (Bibb, Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker report no significant damage)

We are assigning volunteers to do disaster assessment, and should have some additional information about the extent of the need later in the day Thursday.

Weekly test

2006-04-19T16:40:00.000-05:00

This is just a test message, to remind you that the Desktop Alert System is active on your machine.

If there is an actual disaster requiring the services of either the American Red Cross or the Jefferson County EMA, you'd see it here first.

If you are reading this off of the Media Alerts Page, please consider downloading and installing the Desktop Alert System -- there is a link to the right of the page.

Disaster Response Update 4/10/06

2006-04-10T17:58:00.000-05:00

Red Cross disaster workers reported today in Alabama, Winston and Jefferson Counties seem to have the most damage from Friday's storm. Red Cross working with local EMA and FEMA teams in Winston County have reported 100 homes with damage. The Red Cross has set up a service delivery site in the Haleyville Conference Center (locally known as the old elementary school) located on 2320 14th Avenue, Haleyville, Alabama.

The center will operate Monday through Saturday 4/10 to 4/15 from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.Our damage assessment reports indicate the following:

Jefferson Co, - 30 apartments and 55 homes - possibly more damaged
Dekalb Co - 1 major damaged home
Calhoun Co. - 1 mobile home damaged
Madison-Marshall Co. - 2 mobile homes damaged
Colbert Co. - 1 mobile home with major damage
Northwest Alabama - 1 home major damage

The Red Cross continues to see clients through outreach and in the Birmingham Service Center while accessing damage across the area. Anyone affected by Friday's storm should contact the chapter at (205) 458-8282

Jean Johnson Petties
Senior Director of Community Relations
American Red Cross
Birmingham Area Chapter
(205) 458-8285

50+ Disaster Cases

2006-04-08T17:05:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter will open more than 50 cases in the Chapter jurisdiction, including some in Winston and Marion Counties. There was wide spread damage in Jefferson County. We will continue to assist the Aspen Run Apartment residents in their relocation needs. All families have been taken care of through the weekend and individual family casework will resume on Monday, April 10th, 2006. Anyone needing emergency assistance should call (205) 458-8282.

Jean Johnson Petties
Senior Manager, Community Relations

Ike on assignment

2006-04-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

Ike Pigott is being deployed to the Gallatin, TN area (north of Nashville) to help deal with national and regional media requests. He will be on the road by 1pm Saturday, and not back until Tuesday morning.

Jean Petties will field local media inquiries, and assist the media in getting appropriate information and access.

Damage Assessment

2006-04-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick look at the damage in the Birmingham Area Chapter jurisdiction:

Bibb - nothing significant
Blount - nothing significant
Jefferson - scattered damage, but nothing concentrated in a single area
Shelby - nothing significant
St. Clair - nothing significant
Walker - nothing significant

More on Jefferson:
The storms passing through Birmingham have done significant damage to the roof at an apartment building off Robert Jemison Road, south of Green Springs and inside the Birmingham City limits.

Aspen Run Apartments
200 Robert Jemison Road

We assisted several residents last night with a place to stay, and are recommending they get additional casework at our Birmingham Service Center.

We have disaster assessment volunteers checking on some of these scattered reports. If we find more need than we currently know about, we'll ramp up as necessary. Our main number (205-458-8282) is being staffed for those needing emergency assistance.

Audio with Ike Pigott,
Public Affairs Officer

(Please e-mail Ike if you use this for broadcast)

Widespread damage

2006-04-08T03:35:00.000-05:00

There are widespread reports of minor damage throughout the area. At this time, the Red Cross is trying to identify any locally heavy situations that have left people without a safe place to stay. We're coordinating with the Jefferson County EMA and the Birmingham Fire Department, investigating some of those damage reports.

Shelter information not yet available

2006-04-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

Please help us get out the word, as we are already getting calls from people wanting to know where the Red Cross will locate, open, and operate shelters.

The Red Cross only opens evacuation shelters for those fleeing hurricane zones. We do not open shelters in anticipation of tornado warnings or other severe weather.

We are identifying which shelters would be available and on stand-by should there be significant damage and need related to today's weather. If and when we do open shelters, it will be after the storm has passed, and it will be as close as safely possible to those affected for their own convenience. We will announce them on this page.

Thanks...

Red Cross on standby for severe weather

2006-04-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

With a significant threat of severe weather coming through central Alabama later today, the Birmingham Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is putting volunteers on standby.

We've activated our call system, which will poll 261 local volunteers about their availability should we need the assistance. These volunteers cover a whole range of training and skills, from disaster assessment to family service to shelter operations.

We'll let you know when we start activating Red Cross volunteers and staff, and update shelter information here on an as-needed basis.

Volunteer deploying

2006-04-06T09:34:00.000-05:00

Connie Viteri, a licensed counselor and Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer, is flying out this afternoon for Memphis to join the relief efforts in western Tennessee.

Her departure time is 5:20pm, from the Delta terminal at the Birmingham International Airport.

She'll be there and available to talk to interested media at 4pm.

E-mail Ike (or call) if you have any further questions.

More support for Tennessee tornados

2006-04-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter has been asked to provide some additional support to the disaster operation in western Tennessee. We're in the process now of nailing down depature information for a Disaster Mental Health Counselor.

More details, and possible interview/video opportunities to be announced as we confirm.

Thanks...

Ike.
=========================
Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer --

Talking about the need for disaster mental health counselors:

"The Birmingham Area Chapter has been asked to send some additional support up to western Tennessee -- specifically they are looking for some additional help in what we call Disaster Mental Health. We've got a team of licensed, professional counselors who give some of their time back to the community and affected communities -- helping people cope with the damage and the things that they see. In a lot of cases, the only real barrier some people have to recovering is the emotional toll and impact that a storm like this can cause.

So having some licensed counselors through Red Cross who are able to talk through these folks, and see exactly where they stand and what they might need -- that makes a huge difference in recovery."

Weekly test

2006-04-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly test of the Red Cross/EMA alert system.

We will try to post such messages every Wednesday morning for the next few weeks. If you are having a technical issue with the Alert software, please drop me an e-mail:

Ike Pigott
Public Affairs Officer
Birmingham Area Chapter

Volunteer: Why I respond

2006-04-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

Sound bite with Theodore Childress, a Birmingham Area Chapter volunteer, talking about why he goes on disaster relief assignments:

"Somebody needs help somewhere -- somebody needs help. And I figure if I can do anything to help them, then I will."

Crew leaves at 2pm

2006-04-03T12:23:00.000-05:00

Two volunteers from the Birmingham Area Chapter leave later this afternoon for the storm-ravaged counties of western Tennessee.

Theodore Childress and Wheeler Pounds will meet at the chapter headquarters around 2 o'clock, to prepare the Emergency Response Vehicle for deployment. They will make sure it's got a fresh load of snacks and drinks, as well as a supply of food-delivery items like cups and containers.

They are due to arrive at the disaster operations headquarters in Jackson, Tennessee this evening -- and first thing Tuesday, they'll immediately deploy to support search teams and any affected residents who need emergency feeding assistance.

Audio from Billy Baxter, CEO, Birmingham Area Chapter:

Tennessee storms

2006-04-03T09:23:00.000-05:00

The American Red Cross is quickly ramping up a response to the storms that hit the midwest last night, with a focus on western Tennessee.

The Emergency Response Vehicle based in Birmingham has been requested, along with at least five others in several states. We'll let you know what time it is to depart as soon as we determine the available staff that will accompany it.

The primary concern right now is ramping up feeding efforts in west Tennessee. There are a sizable number of people missing or unaccounted for -- and the more support we can lend toward the search and rescue operations, the longer they will be able to remain on the job.

More updates as needed...

Test! Test! Test!

2006-03-29T09:59:00.000-06:00

This is a test of the Red Cross Media Alert system. For the time being, we will be running regular tests on Wednesdays at 10am (Central).

Now, a reminder: Thursday (3/30) is Project Impact's Community Awareness Day.

Linn Park, from 9-3.

Go here for more information: http://www.impactalabama.com/cadabout.html

That is all...

DRILL test of alert

2006-03-25T11:46:00.000-06:00

This is just a demonstration of the alert system, in conjunction with a multi-county disaster drill.

DRILL DRILL

2006-03-24T10:18:00.000-06:00

Damage assessment teams are in the process of surveying affected homes in the tornado zone.

Shelters are being staffed, and will be on notice for opening soon.

More shelter details in an hour.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

DRILL DRILL DRILL

2006-03-24T08:03:00.000-06:00

Thie following is JUST A DRILL:

Over night the Birmingham Area Chapter experienced heavy rains, high winds causing power outages in some areas

Pell City - an apartment fire with 10 units having major/destroyed damage due to the use of candles

Walker Co - It has been reported that a tornado was on the ground for several miles

Jefferson county has the usual flooding in Homewood and Collegeville

The preceding are preliminary reports..
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

DRILL today

2006-03-24T08:02:00.000-06:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter is running a multi-county two-day drill.

All alert messages related to the exercise will be marked as DRILL

Red Cross Desktop Alerts now active

2006-03-22T15:17:00.000-06:00

Welcome. The Emergency Alert program has been officially released. If this is your first trip to this Alerts page, then welcome.

This space is reserved for disaster information only. If you have any questions about the software, or the items on this webpage, please contact the people to the right.

Thanks again...

Steiner UPDATE - No shelter

2006-03-17T16:21:00.000-06:00

Here are the updated totals, after the final damage assessment:

11 total units affected.
5 of those are destroyed.
6 units have either slight damage, or are just without power.

We have seen all of the affected families and provided assistance. There will NOT be a shelter opening, as the clients have indicated they have other preferences for a place to stay.

Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer
E-mail Ike if you use it on air.

Birmingham Apartment Fire

2006-03-17T14:52:00.000-06:00

The Red Cross is assisting residents of an apartment building that caught fire mid-day Friday.

The Steiner Avenue Apartments are located at 1305 Steiner Avenue.

We are still doing damage assessment -- but it appears that at least 8 units are a total loss, and a few others have water damage.

At this time, we are putting a shelter on stand-by as a precaution, but have not made a definite decision about opening it to those people displaced.

Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer
E-mail Ike if you use it on air.

Red Cross supporting Blount County search

2006-03-14T13:06:00.000-06:00

FYI -- The Blount County Sheriff's Office has requested the help of the Birmingham Area Chapter in search of a missing woman.

(We don't do the actual searching -- we're preparing to serve meals and drinks on-site to the rescue folks, to keep them out in the field longer.)

Blount County S.O. ought to have more information about the who-when-where and the like.

Oneonta fire update: FINAL

2006-03-10T10:23:00.000-06:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter has either assisted or made contact with all 13 families affected by the Mountain Springs Apartment fire in Oneonta. Most of the casework is now complete.

Our volunteers opened a shelter last night at Oneonta First Baptist Church. The shelter closed around 8:30pm , as none of our clients showed up. Part of our follow up work includes touching base with those affected, and ensuring that they do indeed have a place to stay. At this time, we do not anticipate the need to re-open a shelter.

Thanks for helping us get out the word...

Oneonta Shelter opens at 5pm

2006-03-09T16:18:00.000-06:00

Here's a comprehensive update on the fire in Oneonta:

- Fire at the Mountain Springs Apartments in Oneonta (100 Mt. Springs Road)
- 13 units affected -- 13 families displaced
- As of 4:00pm, the American Red Cross had assisted 10 of the families
- At least four of the families (representing 14 individuals) are in need of shelter
- Red Cross shelter opens at 5pm (Oneonta First Baptist Church, 300 3rd Ave W)

Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer
E-mail Ike if you use it on air.

11:30 UPDATE

2006-03-09T11:33:00.000-06:00

* 13 families is correct. Total units is also 13.
* All but one of the families is Hispanic
* We have not made a decision about opening a shelter, but are exploring the possibility. More on that later...

UPDATE Blount (with audio)

2006-03-09T08:59:00.000-06:00

13 families affected in 10 units.
100 Mt. Springs Road, Oneonta
MOST are Hispanic
Damage asessment is underway, as is the casework.

Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer
E-mail Ike if you use it on air.

Blount Fire UPDATE

2006-03-09T08:35:00.000-06:00

Mountain Springs Apts. in Oneonta. Fire around midnight.

10 displaced families -- all Hispanic. We have already activated our Spanish-speaking volunteers in Blount County. Casework will be out of the Oneonta office.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Major fire

2006-03-09T08:16:00.000-06:00

The Birmingham Area Chapter is assisting several families burned out of their units in a Blount County apartment fire.

More as we confirm...

Red Cross Training Saves a Life

2006-03-07T16:28:00.000-06:00

If you want proof, just ask the staff at the Hoover Country Club.

A Vestavia Hills man collapsed on the driving range today. One of the employees at the golf shop was told about the emergency, grabbed an automated external defibrillator (AED), and went to the range. He described the victim as having great difficulty in breathing, as though he was taking his last breath. The employee kept the victim alive with a shock from the portable AED, allowing paramedics to take over.

That employee was one of 21,448 people in Central Alabama who got First Aid/CPR training from the American Red Cross last year. Country Club Manager Steve Carmichael makes the training available every year to employees who want it.

"Even people with training find themselves nervous when the time comes," said Red Cross Health and Safety Supervisor Joseph James. "Imagine how helpless you feel if you don't have the knowledge and the ability to keep someone alive."

You can find out more about Red Cross Health and Safety training at:
http://www.redcrossbirmingham.org/2006CourseSchedule_halfyear.pdf

Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer
E-mail Ike if you use it on air.

Condo Fire - AUDIO UPDATE

2006-03-07T14:17:00.000-06:00

Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer
E-mail Ike if you use it on air.

update on families

2006-03-07T14:04:00.000-06:00

We've finished our damage assessment at the Woodside Condos on Shadow Wood in Center Point.

2 units destroyed
6 units with heavy smoke/water damage
2 units with light smoke

As of 2pm Tuesday, we have only been in contact with half of the tenants affected. We are trying to locate the others to make sure they are aware of our services, and that their basic disaster-caused needs are being met.

Center Point response

2006-03-07T09:09:00.000-06:00

Volunteers from the American Red Cross are assisting families affected by a multi-unit fire in Center Point. The ARCHIE (American Red Cross Helps In Emergencies) team was called out around 5 this morning to Woodside Condominiums on Center Point Parkway, between Lake Drive and 13th Ct. NE.

Early assessment shows six units that sustained either direct fire or heavy smoke damage. We have provided food and drinks to both the tenants and the firefighters, and instructed those tenants who are eligible for assistance to come by our Birmingham Service Center (2250 9th Ave N.) for casework.

Contact note

2006-03-03T12:38:00.000-06:00

Ike will be teaching a class at 1 this afternoon.

Please forward media inquiries to Jean Petties for the rest of the day.

Training opportunities

2006-03-02T15:40:00.000-06:00

Red Cross Kicks Off Ambitious Training Schedule
(Community Gets Ready for Next Hurricane Season)

Hurricane Katrina brought out the best in this community, as we fed, clothed, housed, and comforted complete strangers in need. Thousands of people offered their time and service in the relief effort, and the American Red Cross would like to tap into that goodwill to make Central Alabama a disaster-resistant community. One of our goals is to better coordinate and use “spontaneous volunteers,” but we’d like to train as many as possible in advance of the next catastrophe.

The highlight of this “Red Cross Month of Training” will come in the last weekend of March, with a two-day disaster exercise. More information to come…

The volunteers and staff of the Birmingham Area Chapter invite everyone to find out about local training opportunities over the next several weeks. We’ve ramped up an aggressive training schedule. You can look and link to the updated schedule at http://www.redcrossbirmingham.org/disaster_training_schedule.htm

Contact Advisory

2006-02-17T14:02:00.000-06:00

The American Red Cross will be closed Monday in observance of Presidents' Day.

In addition, Ike Pigott will be out of the state in training, and will not be in position to assist local media.

Jean Petties, Director of Community Relations, will be the primary contact for the week. Her information is listed to the right.

Ike returns on Monday, February 27th.

Arson takes a toll on the community

2006-02-17T13:55:00.000-06:00

With several high-profile apartment fires this season, volunteers from the Birmingham Area Chapter have assisted nearly 50% more individuals than in the previous year. While there has been an increase across the board in “single-family” house fires, the multi-unit structures have added a lot of publicity and attention.

Now that many of the recent apartment fires have been linked as arson, the American Red Cross has calculated just a part of the impact criminal activity has had on disaster relief. Counting just six incidents (four apartments and two homes), the cost to our donors in direct assistance alone is over $35,000.

“That does not begin to include the value of the volunteer and staff hours involved, nor does it count the strain on our United Way partner agencies and other non-profits that lend additional support and assistance,” said Chapter Executive Billy Baxter. “Most importantly, it pales in comparison to the losses incurred by those individual clients – many of whom can never truly replace what they lost.”

The American Red Cross is committed to providing emergency assistance to victims of disaster, whether natural or man-made. Intentional acts like these fires divert our resources away from prevention, community preparedness, and our capacity to respond to the truly unavoidable disasters.

Panorama East

2006-02-15T10:14:00.000-06:00

(apologies for the delay...)

Volunteers from the Birmingham Area Chapter did provide on-scene emergency assistance to around 20 people at the Panorama East Apartments in Pinson Valley.

Our initial estimates show that 10 units were affected, at least eight of those a total loss. We provided clothing kits, snacks, and drinks to those who were there -- and made sure that all of the tenants had a place to stay for the night.

All of the families were given our service center number and location, and are expected to come in throughout the day to complete their casework for the rest of the assistance for which they are eligible.

Audio with Ike Pigott, Public Affairs Officer
Right click to download
E-mail Ike if you use it on air.

Wood Gardens audio update

2006-02-08T16:25:00.000-06:00

Community Relations Director, Jean Petties

Wood Gardens UPDATE

2006-02-08T14:28:00.000-06:00

The Red Cross has opened 18 family assistance cases at Wood Gardens Apartments -- two additional families will see us Thursday for casework at their request.

That's a total of 20 families/households affected.

We're providing meals through tonight, and possibly tomorrow morning for breakfast if necessary.

Wood Gardens has enough vacant units to absorb ALL of the affected tenants, if they choose to stay. Most will be moving in as soon as this afternoon.

Media contact

2006-02-08T14:15:00.000-06:00

Ike is headed out of town for the rest of the week, for disaster
training.

Jean Petties will be the primary contact in the interim -- her contact
information is always accessible at the right side of the page.

Jean Petties
Sr. Director, Community Relations
Cell: 337-1332

Wood Gardens Fire update

2006-02-08T11:39:00.000-06:00

Red Cross volunteers and staff are at Wood Gardens Apartments in Hoover, providing casework and assistance for families with emergencies caused by this morning's fire. We've been serving meals to the affected residents throughout the morning, and plan on continuing that support through tomorrow morning.

So far, we've opened assistance cases on at least 10 households -- but do not have a clear idea about how many will need a place to stay. Some may choose to stay with local relatives or friends, and we don't yet know if Wood Gardens has vacant units available for the remainder.