Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839
MILWAUKEE – Governor Scott Walker joined American Red Cross and local business officials today in Milwaukee for a press conference to highlight the flood support efforts by the American Red Cross in Wisconsin.
“In the face of a crisis, the people of our state always find a way to rise above by demonstrating their strength and willingness to help their fellow Wisconsinites,” Governor Walker said. “And the floods throughout the state last month were no exception. Our communities, state agencies, Wisconsin National Guard, local businesses, and relief organizations like the American Red Cross all came together to ensure those affected by the floods received immediate assistance as well as the long-term support they’ll need to get back on their feet. The Wisconsin Region of the American Red Cross is a crucial resource for victims of disasters in our state, and I encourage all our citizens to learn more about how they can support the Red Cross in their efforts right here in Wisconsin.”
Many communities have been dealing with floods and rain damage due to heavy rainfall throughout the state during the month of July. Governor Walker has declared a State of Emergency in 20 counties and directed state agencies to help those affected by the storms. He has also called the Wisconsin National Guard to state active duty, as the Adjutant General Donald Dunbar deems necessary, to help local authorities in the recovery efforts.
The American Red Cross has also been instrumental in assisting Wisconsin’s communities in the wake of torrential rain and floods. Since the floods, the Red Cross has distributed more than 10,000 relief items, served more than 4,000 meals and snacks, opened ten shelters for people seeking refuge, deployed seven emergency response vehicles to impacted areas, and mobilized more than 300 disaster workers. To help people get back on their feet, the Red Cross has provided more than 2,300 flood victims with clean-up kits and other necessary items.
The Red Cross also opened three Multi-Agency Resource Centers, or MARCs, in partnership with organizations like the Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, WE Energies, Aurora Health Care, and state health services. The MARCs have provided flood victims with a valuable resource for meeting with partnering agencies to secure assistance for their long-term recovery.
The Wisconsin Region of the American Red Cross responds to nearly 900 disasters every year. To learn more about how you can help people affected by disasters like flooding, home fires, and other crises, visitwww.redcross.org/Wisconsin.
