MOBILE, Ala., February 2, 2011 — The American Red Cross is ready to respond to the destructive winter storm that is affecting the country from just east of the Rocky Mountains to the coast of New England. The storm could impact a third of the population of the United States, and it threatens to bring blizzard conditions and heavy ice and snow. Red Cross chapters across the nation are preparing supplies and opening shelters for people who may be out of power, stranded on the road or have damage to their homes.

For people in the path of the storm, the Red Cross has offered preparedness tips for safely weathering the storm. “In the same spirit, the Red Cross strives to be ready with the resources it needs to responds disasters that occur every day” said Leisle Mims, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter.

In an average year the Red Cross responds to about 200 disasters every day and spends about $450 million on disaster relief throughout the United States. The Red Cross also provides nearly 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply.

“Since January 1, winter storms across much of the United States have demonstrated the necessity of Red Cross preparedness,” said Mims. “The Red Cross helps people affected by severe weather and home fires by providing a safe place to stay, a warm meal, and a shoulder to lean on. While our region is outside the path of the current storm, financial donations will make it possible for the Red Cross to respond to future needs.”

This latest winter blast has further impacted the Red Cross blood supply, which has seen more than 19,000 expected blood donations go uncollected since January 1. People are asked to make an appointment to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org. Those who live in the path of the storm are asked to schedule a donation time when it is safe to travel. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood.

Red Cross chapters in areas seeing severe winter weather are opening shelters, calling disaster workers and coordinating with state and local government officials to provide relief to people in need.

For more information preparedness, visit www.redcross.org. People can help those affected by home fires and other emergencies by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter by calling (251)
544-6100 or mailing to P.O. Box 1764, Mobile, AL 36633. Log on to www.redcrossalcoast.org for more information about your local American Red Cross.

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter:
Since 1917, the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter has been upholding the American Red Cross mission of providing relief to victims of disaster and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies in Mobile, Baldwin, Clarke, Monroe, and West Escambia Counties. The American Red Cross is a volunteer organization supported by the donations of the people in our community. The American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter is a United Way Partner Agency. Verizon Wireless is the official wireless provider for the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter.