
American Red Cross offers aid in wake of Hurricane Sandy
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RELIEF EFFORTS: The American Red Cross has continued a major relief operation to assist people affected by the effects of Hurricane Sandy. (Courtesy photo)RELIEF EFFORTS: The American Red Cross has continued a major relief operation to assist people affected by the effects of Hurricane Sandy. (Courtesy photo)
RELIEF EFFORTS: The American Red Cross has continued a major relief operation to assist people affected by the effects of Hurricane Sandy. (Courtesy photo)
RELIEF EFFORTS: The American Red Cross has continued a major relief operation to assist people affected by the effects of Hurricane Sandy. (Courtesy photo)
Michiganders are asked to donate blood in light of shortage caused by hurricane
LANSING – As the force of Hurricane Sandy continues to reach across the east coast of the nation, the American Red Cross is ready to offer assistance to those in need. “Our chapters are mobilizing volunteers, shelters, relief supplies and disaster vehicles to help,” said Alison Bono, regional director of communications, in a press release. “The best thing families can do is to get ready now by staying informed about Sandy’s progress, listening to the advice of local authorities, checking their emergency supplies and reviewing their household’s emergency plan.” The Red Cross is moving disaster workers into areas that weather experts say will be affected by the storm and has more than 100 emergency response vehicles on alert. The Red Cross also is working closely with government officials, as well as community partners to coordinate response efforts. An estimated 7.4 million people were without power, and the reported U.S. death toll ranged from 26 to 38 on Tuesday. The Thumb area was the hardest hit in Michigan, with overnight wind gusts at 74 miles per hour near Fort Gratiot on Lake Huron and 55 mph on land in Port Hope, according to the National Weather Service. Waves on Lake Huron reached 20-feet-tall and 35-feet-tall on Lake Michigan. Michigan residents can support the Red Cross’ relief efforts by donating blood. About 300 blood drives in 14 states on the east coast have been canceled due to the hurricane, resulting in a deficit of about 9,000 units of blood and platelets as of Tuesday. Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed each day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders.The need may further increase when disaster strikes. Those interested in donating blood can visit
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