Six-Alarm Fire on the Upper East Side

The fire had set all five stories ablaze

In the early hours of Thursday morning, American Red Cross volunteers rushed to the scene of a 6-alarm fire at 324 E 93rd Street in Manhattan. Because the entire five-story building became engulfed in flames, it had begun to spread to the neighboring apartment buildings. Luckily firefighters were able to control the blaze enough to keep the other buildings intact.

Nine Red Cross employees and volunteers were on the scene to meet with the residents and address their immediate needs. The fire was so severe that all families residing in the building were in need of emergency services that the Red Cross provided. This included bringing an MTA bus to the scene to give residents a heated area while firefighters tackled the flames.

The Red Cross also provided snacks, referrals, and emotional support to all of those who suffered the loss of their home. Nine of the families were in need of housing assistance, so responders were able to give them the necessary means to stay in nearby hotels.

The Red Cross will be following up with the residents to check in on their road to recovery.   

Red Cross Responds to Two Multiple-Alarm Fires in Manhattan

The effects of the 3rd Avenue fire

Last Thursday we provided assistance following two multiple-alarm fires. The first occurred on W 141st at around 1:15 am. The second occurred about an hour later on 3rd Ave. In total, we helped 34 people by providing housing, food, blankets, and referrals. Below are some of the people who shared their experience with us.  

In Case You Missed It - Oct 24

Twenty Board Members from the American Red Cross in Metro New York North gathered for
day of service in Port Chester to install free smoke detectors in the communities.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 103 adults and 68 children following 34 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

•  On Saturday, 20 board members from the MNY Red Cross gathered in Port Chester to install free smoke detectors in the communities around them. FiOS1News also helped in covering the story. Truly amazing effort by everyone involved.
• A busy morning on Thursday as Red Crossers responded to two AM fires in Manhattan. A total of 17 families as the Red Cross provided affected residents with immediate assistance and emotional support. Visit our Facebook page to hear some of the stories as told by residents and students displaced by the the W 141st Str. fire which involved a roof collapse and an entire building vacate. 
• Several weeks after Hurricane Matthew made landfall, relief efforts for affected areas are ongoing and as strong as ever. More Red Crossers, including our very own, Tiara Youmans, have been deployed to Haiti to support the global Red Cross disaster response. 
• The American Red Cross helps the community by providing a wide range of support services to those affected by disaster. Check out this incredibly unique story on Ember, a service dog dedicated to helping others. 
• Long Island Red Cross CEO Neela Lockel was named one of the top 50 Women in Business by Long Island Business News. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 25, 27, Nov 1: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Oct 27, 31: #GetAlarmedNYC is in full swing and serving neighborhoods all across NYC. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home. 
• Nov 6: For current Red Cross Volunteers, the Greater NY Region is recruiting over 150 volunteers to support the Marathon medical team as course spotters in the post-finish area of the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov 6. Volunteers working this event will be required to have a current CPR certification. CPR training will be provided at no cost for volunteers who are not certified. Sign up today! 
• Nov 10: Interested in a leadership position at #RedCross ? Apply now to be a Youth Services Manager, an exciting opportunity that helps your community! 
• Nov 11: Keep an eye out for Greater New York Red Cross volunteers and staff who will marching in the NYC Veteran’s Day Parade.

In Case You Missed It - Oct 17

Photo: ESPN's Kevin Negandhi

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 73 adults and 23 children following 36 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• In honor of #NationalFirePrevention Week, our #GetAlarmedNYC program continued their year round efforts towards #MakingADifference in our neighborhoods and creating a safe, disaster free environment. On Wednesday, Red Cross Board of Directors not only talked the talk, but walked the walk, as they teamed up with #GetAlarmedNYC members to help install fire alarms in several homes and apartments in Spanish Harlem. ESPN SportsCenter anchor, Kevin Neghandi, also teamed up with the Home Fire Campaign team this weekend participating in a great #GetAlarmedNYC installation day outing in the Bronx. 
• The New York Junior League kicked off their “Around the Clock” 115 consecutive hours of volunteer service by cleaning cots and building shelter kits to help the Red Cross prepare for the next emergency. 
• On Tuesday, a fire in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island left a home completely damaged. Luckily no one was hurt. Representatives of the Red Cross were on the scene to provide immediate assistance and emotional support to the affected family. 
• Over the weekend, more Red Crossers headed down south to join the Hurricane Matthew relief efforts. Amongst these Red Crossers was Long Island CEO, Neela Lockel. Over 45 local Red Crossers from the Greater New York region have been deployed.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 17-19: The New York Junior League (NYJL) continues their “around the clock” 115 hours volunteer marathon to honor the 115 year anniversary of NYJL. We are extremely excited to be teaming up for this phenomenal effort. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the link for more information on how to sign up.
• Oct 19: Supporting Volunteer and Managing Teams Workshop at the Greater NY Chapter (Oct 22. In Long Island). If you are a supporting volunteer or team manager, please take advantage of this engaging course. You can sign up and learn more about SVMT here. 
• Oct 19, 25, 27: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Oct 21: #GetAlarmedNYC is in full swing and serving neighborhoods all across NYC.Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home.
• Nov 6: For current Red Cross Volunteers, the Greater NY Region is recruiting over 150 volunteers to support the Marathon medical team as course spotters in the post-finish area of the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov 6. Volunteers working this event will be required to have a current CPR certification. CPR training will be provided at no cost for volunteers who are not certified. Sign up today!

In Case You Missed It - Oct 10

Everyday heroes honored at the Red Cross Gala.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 156 adults and 71 children following 47 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• On Friday, a group of courageous Red Crossers from across the Greater NY region headed down south to help aid, support and provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Matthew. NBC news reported over 20 local members of GNY Red Cross have been deployed so far and they are indeed an inspiration to us all.
• Several volunteers responded to a Yonkers fire to provide aid, support and supplies to all those that had been displaced by the disaster. Two of the three buildings were declared uninhabitable following the event. The fire took place on Friday, Oct 7th and displaced 73 people, including 27 children and numerous pets. 
• A request from Bedford Emergency Officials was received on Friday, asking for assistance to a multi-related Bedford Hills Family displaced by a home fire. MNY Volunteers responded and provided much needed assistance. 
• On Wednesday, the Red Cross hosted the Heroes Among Us Gala at the American Museum of Natural History. The night was an extreme success for all involved as Red Cross honored our Heroes for their dedicated service and continued commitment to the community. Be sure to check out some of the spectacular photos and videos from the night. Endless thanks to all donors, sponsors, staff and volunteers who made the night possible. 
• Prior to the gala, the Red Cross organized a panel where three heroes from the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, Neema Bahrami, Brian Reagan and Neal Whittleton, shared their story with a packed house of Red Cross staff members and volunteers. It was a truly inspiring session that was covered by the NY Daily News. Visit our YouTube channel to watch the live stream of the impactful session. 
• In our most recent blog post, 17 year old high school senior, Heather Paniagua, shares with us her experiences with the Red Cross and what kind of impact the Red Cross has had on her life and that of her family, even across state borders. Check out this amazing story here!

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 12, 14, 17: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Oct 13: #GetAlarmedNYC is in full swing and serving neighborhoods all across NYC. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home.
• Oct 14-19: The Greater NY Red Cross has partnered with the New York Junior League (NYJL) to collaborate in “delivering hope and help across the region”. This special partnership features an “around the clock” volunteer marathon to commit to 115 consecutive hours to honor the 115 year anniversary of NYJL. We are extremely excited to be teaming up for this phenomenal effort. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the link on more information on how to sign up. 
• Oct 19: Supporting Volunteer and Managing Teams Workshop at the Greater NY Chapter (Oct 22. In Long Island). If you are a supporting volunteer or team manager, please take advantage of this engaging course. You can sign up and learn more about SVMT here. 
• Nov 6: For currently Red Cross Volunteers, the Greater NY Region is recruiting over 150 volunteers to support the Marathon medical team as course spotters in the post-finish area at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov 6. Volunteers working this event will be required to have a current CPR certification. CPR training will be provided at no cost for volunteers who are not certified. Sign up today!

One Red Cross: The Story of Heather Paniagua

The Red Cross mission is to shelter, feed and provide emotional support to victims of disasters. Heather Paniagua, a 17 year old high school student from New York, experienced how the Red Cross fulfills that mission every day, in every way, wherever the need exists.

The Red Cross helped Heather Paniagua in NYC and La.

Her story begins six years ago when Heather, her mom, dad and younger brother lived in New York. In order to take advantage of a good job opportunity, her dad left the family in New York and took a temporary job in Louisiana where he worked on cleaning up a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. After six years of commuting between Louisiana and New York, her dad decided to stay in Louisiana and move the family there. This summer, Heather, a senior in high school, and her brother, a seventh grade student, were enrolled in schools in Louisiana.

However, soon after arriving in Louisiana, historic storms flooded their home and they had to evacuate. Fortunately, Heather's dad also owned a trailer-home, then undergoing renovation, on higher ground where they could live. “It was scary there,” said Heather. “The trailer was on high ground but all around us the water was rising. One day we went to buy some food at a local Walmart and when we got there, we found it closed due to the rising waters. We had to drive two towns away to Sorrento, Louisiana, just to buy some soup. After that we heard on the news that even that area was now flooding. It was very scary because we didn't know where to go to get food. Everything was closing.”

“We were lucky the Red Cross was there,” said Heather. “There were Red Cross trucks going around all the flooded areas and giving out food, blankets and whatever else people needed. I remember I asked if I could get some bug repellent because there were lots of bugs everywhere. They got me some and were very nice to us there. The Red Cross also set up a shelter in the Lamar Dixon Expo Center Gym nearby. They were very helpful and we had a nice encounter with them there too.”

When they learned that Heather’s new school was also flooded, her mom and dad decided that Heather should move back to New York and stay with her aunt while completing her senior year and graduating from high school.

After moving back to New York, Heather ran into new problems. When she returned home after her second day at school, she was shocked to find a city inspector there who told Heather and her aunt that they must vacate her aunt’s house due to a building safety problem.

Again, the Red Cross was there to help Heather's family. saved the day. Both Heather and her aunt met with Lilliam Riviera-Cruz, a client caseworker in the Greater New York office who was able to provide a temporary residence for Heather and her aunt and also provide assistance to work with government agencies to find a new permanent residence for her aunt. Meanwhile, Heather is now staying with a friend until she graduates in June, when she will return to Louisiana and her family until she heads to college..

Asked about her experience with the Red Cross, Heather said, “The Red Cross was great! They immediately found us a place to sleep and even gave us MetroCards ... They were always helpful and very optimistic in both Louisiana and in New York. I don’t know what we would have done without them.”

To learn more about the Red Cross visit www.redcross.org/gny and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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In Case You Missed It - Oct 3

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 78 adults and 32 children following 48 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities.

3 Heroes from the @pulseorlando Tragedy will receive the National Hero Award at #RedCrossGala on Wed Oct 5 https://t.co/mEhfdAwHSu pic.twitter.com/toVewIJHXx

— NY Red Cross (@redcrossny) October 2, 2016

Last Week in Review

• This weekend, the Red Cross provided canteening and emotional support for the gathered friends, family and fellow firefighters of FDNY Chief Michael Fahy. Fahy lost his life in a Bronx house explosion on Tuesday. Our hearts go out to our FDNY partners and to all who knew and loved him.
• Throughout the week, we’ve been highlighting some of the heroes that the Red Cross will be honoring at our upcoming Heroes Among Us Gala on Wednesday, Oct 5th. These heroes truly embody the spirit of the Red Cross. Take the time to check out these inspirational stories. 
• Heroes of the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy, National Hero Award
• Tina Charles, Vanguard Award
• FDNY EMS Lieutenant Craig Roeder, Local Hero Award
• Founders of the Tribeca Film Festival, Humanitarian Award
• JPMorgan Chase and Co., Coporate Award
• Between Wednesday and Saturday, 34 Red Crossers took part in our Supporting Volunteer and Managing Teams (SVMT) workshops! SVMT workshops are engaging, instructor-led courses designed to benefit those who work with or supervise volunteers. Volunteers can learn more about this training by clicking here.
• On Thursday, after a New Jersey Transit train crashed into the Hoboken terminal, killing one person and injuring over 100 people, our NJ Red Cross colleagues mobilized to help. Here in NYC, volunteers and employees were at the ready to assist as needed.
• On Wednesday, the American Red Cross was honored to team up with Senator Jose M. Serano and the Roosevelt Island Senior Association to prepare the residents of the 29th Senate District for emergency situations and natural disasters. Red Cross representatives were available on site to provide attendees with information on our emergency education preparedness programs and potential volunteer opportunities.
• On Tuesday, employees and volunteers responded to a Bronx explosion on West 234th St., providing assistance and support to residents and first responders on scene.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 5: American Red Cross Gala 2016: Heroes Among Us at the American Museum of Natural History. The Gala will recognize civic leaders and heroic individuals who embody our humanitarian mission.
• Oct 6: #GetAlarmedNYC is in full swing and serving neighborhoods all across NYC. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home.
• Oct 7, 10, 12: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Oct 19: Supporting Volunteer and Managing Teams Workshop at the Greater NY Chapter (Oct 22. In Long Island). If you are a supporting volunteer or team manager, please take advantage of this engaging course. You can sign up and learn more about SVMT here.