American Red Cross

The official account of the American Red Cross.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

As the full extent of the damage left by Hurricane Isaias becomes clear, here's what to know about Red Cross services and how to get help.

How the Red Cross is Helping:
Over 400 trained disaster workers are providing comfort and relief to those affected by Hurricane Isaias across the Gulf Coast, with hundreds more on their way. Once it is safe to do so, our teams will travel through affected communities to assess damage, provide meals, and distribute relief supplies. Right now, our priority is meeting the urgent needs of those affected by providing safe shelter, meals, emotional support and health services.

Safety Tips for the Immediate Aftermath:
• Avoid unnecessary travel to help keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Return home only when local officials say it is safe, and keep monitoring local updates, as conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from floodwaters. Storm drains, culverts and ditches may be hidden beneath the water and can cause serious injury.
• If you're using a generator, keep it outside and away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

How to Find a Shelter:
• If you need a safe place to stay, please come to a Red Cross shelter. You can find locations by visiting https://t.co/KqgklNREzn, downloading the Red Cross Emergency app, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
• Even if you don't stay overnight, you can come to a shelter to shower, charge your devices, get food or access resources.

Tips for Contacting Loved Ones:
Widespread power outages and limited connectivity can make communication difficult. Try calling during off-peak hours for the best chance of getting through. Send a text message, which may go through when phone calls cannot, and check your loved one's social media accounts for updates.

Recovery Resource:
If you're able to get online, visit https://t.co/wKBVrUM27P or our free Emergency app for additional recovery information, safety guidance and available resources.

How to Help People Affected:
• Make a financial donation: https://t.co/RbGejrIaMh
• Schedule an appointment to give blood: https://t.co/aAqGQM9gGS
• Sign up to volunteer: https://t.co/tBTgiqKe1J

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

When disasters like Hurricane Isaias threaten communities, the Red Cross prepares long before the storm arrives and remains there to help people recover long after it passes.

A gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief helps ensure we can respond to storms, floods, home fires, and other crises whenever and wherever they happen. Your support makes it possible to provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, emotional support, and recovery assistance for families facing some of their toughest days.

Donate today by:
- Visiting https://t.co/1x73s5UaDR
- Texting REDCROSS to 90999.
- Calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)

Thank you for helping us be there for people before, during and after disasters. ❤️

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

As Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast, hundreds of Red Cross disaster volunteers are dedicated to helping people and communities impacted by dangerous weather in the days ahead.

Our teams are closely monitoring the storm, pre-positioning emergency relief supplies, coordinating with local partners, and standing ready to provide shelter, meals and comfort if needed.

If you live in the storm's potential path, now is the time to review your emergency plan, monitor local weather updates, and make sure you have essential supplies on hand.

Take a look at what to know, how to stay safe, and ways to support those who may be impacted by the storm. #Isaias

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Give it up for Tucker! He's a lifesaving hero. 🥹

When a mudslide triggered by Hurricane Helene ripped apart 11-year-old Jamie's home, he was buried beneath nearly 12 feet of rubble.

As rescuers searched, Tucker stood on the debris and barked relentlessly. Eventually, firefighters realized he wasn't just making noise — he was showing them exactly where to find Jamie.

Because Tucker never gave up, Jamie was found alive.

As Jamie recovered, the community showed up to support him and his family. @RedCross_NC volunteers connected with the family and provided them with comfort, resources and financial assistance in the days after the disaster and throughout their recovery journey.

Jamie and his family are now rebuilding their lives after losing nearly everything. Recently, they celebrated a significant milestone: moving into a new home.

And one of the first things Jamie added to his new room was a dog bed for Tucker — the dog who never left his side when he needed him most. ❤️

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Two years ago, Hurricane Helene left Brenda Ward and her husband with an uninhabitable home and the heartbreaking loss of nearly everything they owned.

Seven feet of water rushed through their home when the Toe River surged over its banks. Mud filled the basement, a large tree crashed into the yard, and the damage was so extensive that they had to rebuild the entire interior from floor to ceiling.

For more than a year, Brenda and her husband lived away from home while volunteers, community organizations and recovery partners helped them rebuild.

They're finally back home.

Above Brenda's front door hangs a handmade angel crafted by one of the volunteers who helped restore her house. It's a small reminder of the countless people who showed up to help her family move forward.

"I can't even count the people, the volunteers, that came through here," Brenda said. "You wouldn't believe how blessed we've been."

Through the dedication of Baptists On Mission volunteers and support from a Red Cross long-term recovery grant that helped pay for critical repairs like plumbing, roofing and decking, Brenda's home has been rebuilt and restored.

As we mark two years since Hurricane Helene, Brenda's story is a reminder that recovery doesn't end when the floodwaters recede or the headlines fade. Across the Southeast, families are still working to rebuild their homes and their lives.

Thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers, donors and community partners, we're continuing to stand alongside families and communities on the long road to recovery. ❤️

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

As communities in Hawaii prepare for Hurricane Nolo, the Red Cross is mobilizing to support those who may be impacted. Your gift to Disaster Relief helps ensure we're ready to respond when disasters happen and provide support and hope to people when they need it most. Consider making a gift today by texting 'REDCROSS to 90999 or visiting: https://t.co/sm4zMJdz76

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Hawaii is once again preparing for a hurricane threat as Hurricane Nolo approaches the islands. After already facing multiple tropical systems this season, communities are now bracing for the potential of life-threatening flooding, strong winds and power outages.

@HawaiiRedCross volunteers are closely monitoring the storm and coordinating with partners. Additional disaster responders are also on the way to support communities as they prepare for possible impacts.

Whether you live in Hawaii, have loved ones there, or simply want to help, here's what to know about the storm, how to stay safe, and ways you can support those who may be impacted.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

A nor’easter could bring flooding, strong winds and power outages to parts of the East Coast this weekend.

Take a few minutes to prepare now. If flooding threatens your area, move to higher ground immediately. If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles, and keep a power bank charged so you can stay connected and receive emergency alerts.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

We're serving up something special! Take home an exclusive pickleball paddle and ball — while they last — when you come to give blood or platelets through Sept. 30 at a Red Cross blood donation center and mention “pickleball.” Book your time to donate: https://t.co/JQijosIQ7M

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Growing up in El Salvador, Francis Huezo witnessed firsthand the challenges people face during difficult times. Years later, those experiences guide her work with the American Red Cross.

Francis came to the United States with her twin brother at age 18 and built a life rooted in service. From ministry to medical interpretation and now disaster response, every chapter of her journey has been centered on helping people navigate life's toughest moments with dignity and compassion.

When she joined the Red Cross, she didn't have a background in disaster response. What she did have was empathy.

"I didn't know how to professionally deal with disasters, but I knew how to hold people's hands,” Francis said. “I knew what it is to give them a plate of food, because sometimes that's the only thing you can do for people.”

Today, Francis serves as both a Community Disaster Program Manager and Diverse Community Investment Program Manager with @ARCGoldCountry, helping build stronger connections with communities across Northeastern California. Her bilingual Spanish-language skills help ensure more people can access preparedness information, disaster support and recovery resources when they need them most.

She also supports nearly 100 volunteers across teams that collectively speak Spanish, Punjabi, English and Russian, reflecting the diverse communities they serve and helping build trust before and after disasters.

For Francis, service isn't about recognition. It's about people. "If you can love people, do it humbly and honestly; that is the best sermon I can give anyone," she said.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we're proud to celebrate Francis and the many Hispanic and Latino Red Crossers whose lived experiences, cultural connections and commitment to service help make our mission stronger.

Somos Unidos en Acción and Stronger Together. ❤️ #HispanicHeritageMonth

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

We’re turning up the volume with an all-new Red Cross x @Metallica Blood Donation Experience, sponsored by @Delta, in Las Vegas! 🎸

Beginning Monday, Sept. 28, fans can give blood at Fashion Show Las Vegas on the Strip and step into an exclusive backstage-inspired experience during Metallica’s Vegas residency. Those who come to give blood will get:

- An exclusive, limited-edition Red Cross x Metallica T-shirt designed by Squindo, while supplies last.
- The chance to sit behind a replica drum kit inspired by one used by Lars Ulrich.
- A chance to win that same one-of-a-kind replica drum kit, built by TAMA and similar to one specially made for Ulrich for Metallica’s WorldWired Tour. (T&C apply.)
- Access to the Delta Backstage Lounge for post-donation refreshments.

Join the Metallica family — help save lives and make your appointment to donate: https://t.co/t5bUfj89Zv

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

@mcguirl We’re sorry to hear about the experience that you described. We want to make sure that this feedback is appropriately routed, so we can follow up. Can you please email us the details at [email protected] or contact us directly at 855-210-1278? Thank you.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

@Hello_Evelina I'm sorry to hear your site ran out of the Red Cross x Hello Kitty® collectible item. Please reach out to us at 855-210-1278 or email [email protected] regarding this. Our team may be able to help. Thank you.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

"Stay safe, Mommy. We can rebuild a house, but we can't rebuild a mommy."

When floodwaters trapped Celeste on the roof of her home, those were the words she read from her daughter.

For two days, she remained stranded on top of her home without cell service, searching for a way to communicate. With floodwaters still surrounding her and few options left, she managed to send a text message no parent ever wants to write:

"In case I don't make it, I love you all, and remember everything I taught you."

Meanwhile, her sister and co-workers, knowing she lived alone, searched tirelessly for her.

"I saw the helicopters going back and forth all day and night, and then finally on Thursday they came for me," Celeste said.

Thankfully, a rescue helicopter reached Celeste and brought her to safety. But her road to recovery was just beginning.

The flood had taken nearly everything: her home, livestock, beloved pets, important documents, and the medication her daughter, who is battling cancer, desperately needed.

A friend told her about a disaster assistance center in Uvalde. She went hoping to pick up a few clothes for her children but left with far more than she expected.

"The Red Cross found out we were sleeping in our truck and helped get us into a hotel," Celeste said. "They helped us with food and with the medication my daughter needs."

Celeste and her family were so grateful for the support they received from volunteers with the @RedCrossCSTR. When they visited the local chapter, volunteers welcomed them with open arms, even providing toys and pastries for the kids.

"Y'all were truly God-sent to us," Celeste said. "We had nowhere to go, nothing to eat. We had lost everything. We are more grateful than you could ever imagine. It's OK to ask for help because there are good people like y'all out there willing to help."

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

This group of graduates is ready to help fight cavities and keep smiles healthy!

They recently completed our free Dental Assistant Program, which helps military dependents build valuable healthcare skills, gain hands-on experience in areas like X-rays, and pursue a career they can take wherever military life leads.

To celebrate their accomplishments, the @HawaiiRedCross helped host a graduation party recognizing the dedication and hard work these students put into their training, including 1,000 hours of study and 880 hours of hands-on experience.

Join us in congratulating these graduates on this exciting milestone and wishing them success as they begin the next chapter of their healthcare careers!

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

@HawaiiRedCross volunteers have been hard at work helping communities recover from Hurricane Lowell. On Kauaʻi, volunteers are distributing emergency supplies and assessing damage across the island.

Lowell was the third severe weather event to impact Hawaii in less than a month. As the storm moved through the islands, many communities were still recovering from Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke, which struck just weeks apart in August.

Hawaii's recent storms are a reminder that preparedness matters. During this National Preparedness Month and hurricane season, take a few minutes to review your emergency plan, refresh your emergency kit, and talk with loved ones about how you'll stay connected if disaster strikes.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

In 2016, Elizabeth Gill lost her daughter, Rachel, in an apartment fire.

Rachel was just 37 years old and didn't have a working smoke alarm in her bedroom.

"I'm convinced she would have lived if she had a smoke alarm in her bedroom," Elizabeth said.

Today, Elizabeth is turning her grief into action. She recently led her first Sound the Alarm event in Rabun County, Georgia. Alongside 28 Rotary Club members and @GARedCross volunteers, she helped install more than 50 free smoke alarms and shared fire safety information with neighbors.

Every installation was an opportunity to help another family avoid the heartbreak she knows all too well.

Elizabeth's commitment to helping others reaches far beyond our Sound the Alarm events. She also hosts an annual luncheon for the Atlanta fire station that responded to Rachel's fire, honoring the firefighters who helped her daughter and countless others. It's one of many ways she continues serving her community while keeping Rachel's memory close to her heart.

"I want Rachel to be proud," Elizabeth said. "She was a very strong, dynamic person, and had she lived, she would have made a huge impact on the world. If I can do that for her instead and carry a message that helps other people, that's what's most important to me."

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

@maryqledford Hi Mary - Thanks for reaching out. We apologize for the inconvenience and would be happy to update your contact preferences to stop the calls, emails and messages. Please complete the information at https://t.co/F21T5lky5S to begin the process. Thank you.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Most 12-year-olds are collecting stuffed animals for themselves. Sadie is giving them a second life.

After learning that children affected by home fires often lose the things that bring them comfort, Sadie decided to help. She rescues worn-out stuffed animals from thrift stores, carefully restores them by hand and donates them to @RedCross_NC to be shared with children recovering from disasters.

When local Red Cross volunteers needed more comfort items for children affected by disasters, Disaster Program Specialist Jon McCollum turned to the community for help. That’s when Sadie answered the call.

"Hearing the stories was heartbreaking," Sadie said. "That's why I did it."

Since then, she has donated 114 restored stuffed animals, helping bring comfort to children on some of their hardest days.

What started as a simple act of kindness has become an ongoing family project. Sadie continues to restore and donate stuffed animals for children affected by disasters and hopes her story inspires other young people to make a difference in their own communities.

In recognition of her efforts, Jon and fellow volunteers recently presented Sadie with the Young Humanitarian Award at the Central Surry Volunteer Fire Department.

Let’s give it up for Sadie! Join us in celebrating her kindness and thanking her for helping children feel a little less alone after a disaster. 💛

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

It doesn't matter if you're a strong swimmer, you're not going to win fighting a rip current.

To spot a rip current, look for a narrow band of choppy, fast-moving water that flows differently from the areas around it. Fighting against it can quickly exhaust you and carry you farther from shore. Follow these tips on how to escape safely.