It Takes a Village | Update from the field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front line

Hurricane Irene’s furry and flooding were more than enough for New Yorkers, but when Tropical Storm Lee blew through the Southern Tier of New York only nine days after Irene, dumping more than eight inches of rain, you have a recipe for disaster.

Binghamton, New York suffered the effects of the double-dip storm waters in unprecedented ways.  With the torrent came the immediate evacuation of 20,000 residents and the need for a very fast response by the American Red Cross.  Binghamton University stepped up immediately and made their Event Center available to the Red Cross, along with local and state agencies, to make ready for a flood of residents seeking safe haven. 

When 1,800 area citizens sought shelter, literally from the storm, critical partnerships with the American Red Cross, bonded together to create not only a “mass shelter” on the grounds of Binghamton University, but a temporary residence that provided safe, secure and substantial refuge for the citizens of Binghamton and the surrounding region.  The American Red Cross works hard throughout the year, throughout every state, to make sure that we have partnership agreements and relationships in place. When all of our partners work together for the humanitarian and compassionate care for all citizens, the results are a marvel and inspiration to behold.

Upon arrival to the nerve center of the mass shelter operation within the Event Center, I discovered the fruits of collaboration to be remarkable and effective.  I walked into the gigantic even center and saw scores of Red Cross volunteers busy caring for the residents with excellent care, offering hope, health services, and mental health services, hot meals, and snacks, activities for children, cots and blankets. Soon I was led into command center where the Red Cross Shelter Managers joined ranks with the University Law Enforcement Officers, local and state Law Enforcement Officials, Incident Commanders, Public Information Officers, County Health Officers, volunteer medical professionals, and members from the New York Fire Department.  The professionalism of the collaborative efforts between all agencies worked seamlessly;

I now realize first hand why the Red Cross Community Chapter Disaster Service Directors all across the country work so hard to develop lasting and growing relationships with key stakeholders in every community. It really does take a village to offer the best in care and protection of our neighbors, and the American Red Cross volunteers understand and appreciate this at every level.  The Red Cross appreciates the support and the privilege of partnership, particularly observed in Binghamton, NY, but known across the country.

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Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

American Red Cross Spontaneous Volunteers | Update from the field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front line

Disaster Strikes without warning, but when it does, at a moment’s notice throughout the world, American Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond. Red Cross volunteers are trained, re-trained and always certified; this is what they sign up for and are eager to do – volunteer!

Matthew, a spontaneous volunteer, from Vestal, New York.

But what do you do when a major disaster strikes and “Spontaneous Volunteers” start showing up wanting to do something to help?  You quickly discover their interests and match them up with the needs that exist.  This is precisely what I found when I met a Vestal, New York family, serving hot meals in the Event Center of Binghamton University, right alongside of our deployed Red Cross volunteers. A mom, 15-year-old son, Matthew, an aunt and their family friends were all pitching in to serve dinner for our 500 shelter residents.  As I listened to their stories of volunteerism within the community, I quickly learned that, “this is what we do when you grow up in this community; you step in and serve because you love your town, you love the people and you never know when you may be on the receiving end of kindness.”

Spontaneous volunteers are incredible, and they are a vital supplement to the regular Red Cross volunteer team.  Matthew shared with us that all of his friends have been helping out in the community, cleaning out flooded homes, raking yards and helping with their parents in the Red Cross shelters.  Matthew also shared that the work of volunteerism can get in the way of regular fun, and he was glad.  He said, “Today I called around to my friends to see if they wanted to play a little pick-up football, but we couldn’t because everyone was too busy serving others. It was really cool to see that happening.”

A short distance from this family we found two students attending Binghamton University busy at work in their new Spontaneous Volunteer roles; mopping the floors in the gigantic Event Center.  Alec and Chelsea shared, “We saw what had happened along the Susquehanna River, the neighborhoods that were devastated, and the growing population at the Event Center, and we imagined ourselves in their position and knew that we had to help support the Red Cross and bring hope to the shelter residents.”

Many of the trained and certified American Red Cross volunteers began their tenure with the Red Cross as Spontaneous Volunteers.  It is important to know that American Red Cross community chapters across the country always welcome new volunteers and the contagious spirit of volunteerism.

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Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief


Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

Students Serve Binghamton Shelter | Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front line

Students Serve Binghamton Shelter

September 12, 2011

The Binghamton University Event Center is not only filled with 500 residents this morning, it is also filled with student volunteers.  The students and young adults have come out in great quantity from the ranks of the American Red Cross volunteer base, from the ranks of the AmeriCorps volunteer team, but also from the Binghamton University student body. In fact, so many volunteers from the student body have come to serve that rotating shifts have been established well into the week.  The students are eager to serve and are grateful to join the efforts of the American Red Cross.

Ross Youmans, and Environmental Science graduate from this past May shared his motivation for serving: “This is my community, the flood hit here and I wanted to help.” Serena Karsou, Editor of the University paper, “Pipedream,” stated that, “the student volunteers have been training for disaster relief and are comfortable with the tensions related to disaster. Our students are great when it comes to talking with the shelter residents, keeping them occupied, and offering hope.”  Freshman, Henry Meyer, had a very practical outlook about serving in the shelter.  “I (Henry) came with my freshman friends to volunteer and we all felt that serving was a better idea than watching TV and having a few days off from school….I like to help people.”

The University student volunteers and student Red Cross volunteers are joined by the AmeriCorps volunteers who have been long-time partners with the American Red Cross.  These students take 10 months off from school, or post-graduate time, to develop leadership skills, to serve in disaster relief operations, and to prepare for a lifetime of service and leadership.  Patrick Skovira has just signed up for a second term of service with AmeriCorps and will be a Team leader during his second deployment. Patrick stated, when asked about why he serves, “For the experience of being able to help others and for the experience I will gain for other fields of work.  I love the opportunity through AmeriCorps and love the partnership with the Red Cross.”

One other group of student volunteers on the shelter floor are those serving through the Harper Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service. After 6 months of training, 120 hours of class work and a New York exam, these students are on the front line of first responders for the student body living on campus and off-campus; and right now, for our residents in the Event Center.

What does all of this mean?  At times of devastation and despair, we should all be encouraged that our youth, (those currently in college and those who have recently graduated), are ready to serve, and the residents of the shelter love not only their service, but their youthful energy and inspiration.  As one shelter resident observed, “They are our future, and they are our present; they are our countries hope and we ought to be proud”

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Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief


Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

Are You Prepared? September=National Preparedness Month

Would you be prepared if there was an emergency tonight, tomorrow, or next week? This September marks the eighth annual National Preparedness Month which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Their goal, along with other organizations such as the American Red Cross, is to use this month to spread awareness on what it means to be prepared in the face of an emergency and to make sure your answer to the first question is a “yes.”

There are three key steps to being prepared: Build a kit, make a plan, and be informed. An emergency kit should include enough supplies to last three days. These supplies should include one gallon of water per person, per day, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, medications, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, a flashlight and batteries, and copies of important personal documents. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.

When making an emergency plan, all members of the household should work together so that everyone is informed and ready if an emergency were to arise. The plan should include a location that everyone can meet if you cannot go home. Make sure to include an out-of-area contact person in your plan. Be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to affect the area that you live in and how local authorities will contact you if one were to happen. Watch the news, listen to the radio, and check websites to stay updated about local and national information. Get Tech Ready, is a website recently launched by the Red Cross, FEMA, the Ad Council, and Google Crisis that teaches people how to use technology to prepare and recover from emergencies or disasters.

No one can predict when an emergency or disaster will occur. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross to find out what courses you can take to better prepare yourself with knowledge on emergency situations and life-saving skills. Visit http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/training.htm to find out what classes the East Georgia Chapter offers and spread the word throughout your community to help ensure that everyone has the chance to be prepared for a disaster.

Critical Care and Compassion Offered to Schoharie, NY | Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines

Critical Care and Compassion Offered to Schoharie, NY

September 10, 2011

A trip to Schoharie, NY on Saturday morning, September 10, nearly two weeks since Hurricane Irene blew through this quiet town, and just two days after 8 more inches of torrential rain from Tropical Storm Lee brought the flood waters of the Schoharie Creek back into every home, flooding every street, and dampening spirits once again, brought several wonderful surprises.

The firs surprise was a long trail of vehicles crawling the 3 miles into the devastated town of Schoharie. Everyone in the cars was in a hurry but nobody was in a rush.  The hurry was the result of anticipation and eagerness to get out of the cars that were filled with neighbors from all over the northeast, eager to park, don their gloves and masks, and begin providing fresh energy to an exhausted and bewildered town.

The second surprise was an aroma of mixed tantalizing smells from countless BBQ pits, grills with hamburgers and hotdogs, and other all-American delicacies.  These were the gifts of nourishment and compassion from the American public, gathered in mass in Schoharie, NY – just another blessing given with love and hope to a town in great need.

The third surprise on my journey, in addition to thousands of spontaneous volunteers offering to clean out homes of unknown neighbors, and in addition to the very welcomed aroma of well-known “comfort foods,” was the presence all over town of the American Red Cross volunteers.  I pulled my car to the shoulder; saw a group of Red Cross First Aid volunteers standing ready to serve, and so I made my way over to greet them.

I learned that the town leaders had made a special request of the American Red Cross, asking us to provide as many of our First Aid volunteers as possible. The town had anticipated a large turnout of these spontaneous volunteers, as well as the subsequent injuries, abrasions, puncture wounds and cuts that would come as a result – and boy did they come.

By 10 AM the fixed location for our First Aid volunteers had already attended to and treated a dozen minor first aid requests, while the “on-foot” First Aid volunteers could barely walk half a block before being stopped by someone needing attention for minor treatment.

Our volunteers come from varying walks of life – Brian has been a Registered Nurse for just two months; a doctor gives his annual vacation leave for service through the American Red Cross; Maggie has been serving the American public through the American Red Cross since Hurricane Katrina in honor of her husband who passed away.

These volunteers inspired me – they made an impact upon me – they reminded me of why I have come to know the American Red Cross to be one of the greatest humanitarian organizations in the world.  I marvel over how excellence in Health and Safety training, followed by a commitment to help people prepare for, prevent and respond to disaster, along with great care, compassion and a hug, can bring a town very needed hope.

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Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief


Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.