One Month Of Red Cross Response For Hurricane Frances, Charley And Preparing For Ivan

620 shelters opened, housing more than 286,200 people; more than 5 million meals served.

MEDIA NOTE: Red Cross experts are on the ground in the Florida Panhandle and are available to talk about disaster preparedness and response. Contact the Red Cross Public Affairs Desk at (202) 303-5551 to facilitate an interview.

WASHINGTON, Monday, September 13, 2004 — The American Red Cross has been providing support to those affected by Hurricanes Bonnie, Charley and Frances since August 13th, the first storm occurring one month ago today. The following are the latest Red Cross response numbers as of noon on Monday.

Red Cross Response to Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan – Starting August 13

	AUG. 11 TO PRESENT
Shelters	620
Shelter Population	286,286
Meals/Snacks Served	5,527,551
Emergency Response Vehicles	311
Health Services Contacts	13,925
Mental Health Contacts	23,293

Hurricanes Charley, Frances - As of 11 a.m. ET, Sept. 13, 2004

	CHARLEY	FRANCES
Shelters	253	340
Shelter Population	101,744	183,979
Meals/Snacks Served	3,239,763	2,257,440
Emergency Response Vehicles	154	118

People seeking information on shelters, mental health support, emergency care and to let us know areas of need can call the Red Cross hotline at 1-866-GET-INFO.

Those wishing to help people affected by this and other disasters can make a financial donation by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or www.redcross.org.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.