Responding to Jonas

The Greater New York Headquarters “Put to the Test”

By Stan Frank, American Red Cross

When the National Weather Service predicts a serious blizzard, the Red Cross mobilizes for wind damage, loss of power, flooding, home fires and the possibility of a large number of displaced residents.

Here’s a snapshot of how the Greater New York Region prepared in advance of Winter Storm Jonas and managed the effects of this historic weather event. (Thank you to Ronnie Rigos, Joe Spaccarelli, Liz Barker and Jessica Kirk for the photos.)

The Red Cross Emergency Operations Center was activated.

Red Cross volunteers and employees met continually to discuss plans and strategy.

Emergency relief supplies, including comfort kits, flood supplies
and blankets were mobilized for distribution.

Red Cross vehicles with plows were prepared for snow
removal in and around Red Cross locations.

Volunteer responder Tashi Penjor and his Red Cross colleagues helped displaced residents on Saturday morning at a multiple-alarm fire in Queens in the middle of the blizzard.

The massive 4-alarm fire on 9th Ave. displaced several families
who were comforted by the Red Cross.

Following 4-alarm fire on 9th Ave., a Red Cross Emergency Response
\Vehicle was dispatched to assist affected residents and first responders.

Long Island Red Cross Board Member and Public Affairs volunteer Craig Cooper shared
vital preparedness and safety information with the media.

In between fires and other incidents, Red Cross volunteers helped
dig out fire hydrants buried under the snow near the Hell's Kitchen HQ.