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 The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region worked to assist in two large-scale disasters which began June 22, 2009. Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun and the National Capital Area chapters partnered together and shared resources to assist 200 senior citizens displaced by a transformer, gas fire, and a deadly Metro crash affecting hundreds.
Update: June 23, 2009 (1645 hours) The first event was a Fairfax County response to a 200 unit independent-living facility that was evacuated after an underground generator exploded. The first explosion set off a secondary explosion in the natural gas line. The 130 evacuees were transported to the Ashlawn Elementary School. The Arlington Chapter of the American Red Cross was the first to respond, establishing the shelter, providing food and drink and keeping the residents safe and comfortable. Fairfax County volunteers supported the initial response with additional personnel and material resources. The American Red Cross Language Bank provided Vietnamese and Korean Translators. The power was restored to their building around 2000 hours and residents were returned safely to their homes by 2030 hours. Click here to see photos and read the press release.
The second event was the Metro train crash at 1700 hours. The Alexandria, Arlington and National Capital Area chapters were the first to respond. Loudoun County Chapter quickly called to offer support and aid for the American Red Cross' response to this horrific event. Red Cross volunteers staffed the Family Reunification Center (opened by the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency) and worked with victims and their families during the hours the center was open. Four Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers were on-site throughout the response. The Region deployed several ERV's and Canteening vehicles to the crash site. Over 30 Red Cross workers manned this post into the evening and through the night; two feeding locations were opened and an Incident Command Center. American Red Cross in the National Capital Region provided meals (dinner, midnight meals, breakfast and lunch in addition to a scheduled dinner for this evening), snacks, coffee, tea and cold drinks. Volunteers and staff have also been available to the victims, their families, the numerous First Responder agencies and the multitude of emergency staff working at the crash site. Click here to see photos and read the press release.
The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region’s Regional Disaster Coordination Center (RDCC) would like to give special thanks to the Alexandria, Arlington and Loudoun chapters for their quick response and continued team support.
Volunteers and donations enable the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region to continue to help prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters (natural or man-made) that can happen any time, any place - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information about the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area's services, contact Kathy Thompson, director of communications and media relations at 703-584-8412 or ThompsonK@redcrossnca.org or contact Kim Covington at 703-584-8455 or CovingtonK@redcrossnca.org. ### |
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