Fairfax, Va. (June 22, 2009) – The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area is on the scene after having received a call from DC Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency (DCHSEMA) at 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, June 22, requesting assistance with the deadly Metrorail crash that took place on the Red Line between Takoma Park and Fort Totten.

DCHSEMA requested blankets and meals for those injured as well as for first responders. They also requested Mental Health Services for survivors of the tragic accident and for family members seeking the status of their loved ones. DCHSEMA set up a Family Reunification Center for family members, and that facility was staffed by Red Cross workers until it closed tonight.

The Red Cross responded by sending 2 response trucks, 3 Emergency Response Vehicles and 2 additional Red Cross vehicles; along with 12 volunteers and 4 mental health workers on scene, and 12 additional volunteers working from the Regional Disaster Coordination Center (RDCC) at the chapter’s Fairfax Headquarters. The local Red Cross will provide dinner for first responders tonight and breakfast in the morning, and will remain available if further assistance is requested by DCHSEMA.

This tragic event was happening concurrently with a major event that struck the Lockwood and Elmwood Houses, two senior citizens homes located in Arlington. The American Red Cross of Arlington County and the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area responded to meet the immediate emergency needs of 200 elderly residents displaced by the event, working with local emergency management officials, public school officials and other agencies to offer residents shelter, food and medical assistance throughout the day. The shelter closed at approximately 8:30 p.m. when residents were permitted to return to their homes.

The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, with a ratio of 67 volunteers to each paid staffer, provides relief to victims of disaster and empowers people in the D.C. Metro area to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. Financially supported by the generosity of the local community, your National Capital Area Chapter responds several times a day to local disasters–376 in 2008 alone–while continuing to build its capacity to effectively prepare for and respond to the next major disaster to strike our community. The National Capital Area jurisdiction includes the counties of Prince George’s, Montgomery and Fairfax; the District of Columbia; and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. The chapter maintains a field office on Fort Belvoir, and a presence at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Andrews Air Force Base. The National Capital Area Chapter also serves as the regional headquarters, which includes the Red Cross chapters in Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William and Loudoun. The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area is the premier local resource empowering individuals and mobilizing our community to survive the unexpected and save lives.

For details on Red Cross response to these and other local disasters or other services offered by the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, 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.