Red Cross deploys help to 9 residents in West Hempstead

The American Red Cross has announced that it has helped more than 25 people on Long Island, and 9 people in West Hempstead, following a series of disasters earlier this month.

A fallen tree on Parkside Road negatively impacted two households on January 9, displacing nine people and requiring emergency relief.

The Red Cross’s Long Island Disaster Action Team provided emergency assistance, including financial assistance, to meet the families’ immediate needs. The Red Cross also typically provides information packets regarding recovery resources and guidance, cleanup kits, comfort kits with personal care items, snacks, waters, and other items as needed.

"After the fallen tree on Parkside Road in West Hempstead, the American Red Cross registered two households, including nine individuals, for emergency financial assistance after they were displaced from their home,” said Jose Dominguez, the Long Island chapter CEO of the American Red Cross. “I want to thank our great Disaster Action Team volunteer Mark Sacks for going to the scene during the ongoing storm and helping these families navigate a very difficult time in their lives to help them start on the road to recovery. Like Mark, we have many volunteers who do this work, day-in and day-out, regardless of weather or the time of day.”

The Red Cross also assisted families in Great Neck, Bay Shore, Lindenhurst, and Medford in unrelated disasters.

Local Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with families to connect them with additional resources for long-term recovery needs, and Dominguez warns families to have a plan in place for the cold fronts ahead.

“As we continue to get into the winter months, Long Island families should make sure they are prepared for winter storms such as the ones we have experienced over the past couple weeks and will continue to experience,” he said. “You just need to take three simple steps, make a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.”

He continued: “Be sure to make both a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit, which would include at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm or at least two weeks of supplies to stay at home. Don’t forget to include a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies, as well as critical backup batteries and chargers for devices, such as cell phones, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, and other necessary electronic equipment."

Families who need assistance and have not already connected with Red Cross services should contact 1-877-RED CROSS (1-877-733-2767).