(American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region) — Volunteers from Northern Ohio have been deployed to the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas to help people impacted by Hurricane Laura. Several others have responded to the current wildfires in California.

19 Northern Ohio volunteers have been assigned to help with hurricane relief efforts, after Hurricane Laura made landfall along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Texas. Four volunteers have been assigned to the wildfire relief effort, and one has been deployed to Florida in response to a tornado that touched down earlier this week.

Along the Gulf Coast, hundreds more trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping people impacted by the devastation left behind by Hurricane Laura — one of most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S. Homes and businesses are destroyed, heavy debris is blocking roads, and hundreds of thousands of people are without power and water. The Red Cross has teams of volunteers circulating through accessible areas to assess damage and provide ready-to-eat meals, water and snacks. Thousands of people are taking refuge in emergency lodgings, including shelters and, in some circumstances, hotels. Red Cross workers are also helping to replace prescription medications, eyeglasses and offer emotional support to people whose lives have been turned upside down.

Nearly two weeks after first igniting, nearly 54,000 people still can’t return home in northern California with devastating wildfires continuing to burn out of control. Hundreds of trained Red Cross disaster workers are focused on providing food, shelter, relief supplies and comfort to people in need. The Red Cross is helping people affected by wildfires in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Additional volunteers are needed to train for disaster responses, specifically to respond to home fires locally and to staff shelters during national disaster responses. Licensed health care professionals are also needed to help people in disaster shelters. People in good health and who are willing and able to receive free Red Cross training and can deploy for up to two weeks can visit www.redcross.org/volunteertoday, or can call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The number one priority of the American Red Cross is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, blood donors and recipients, and the people we serve, and we have implemented several measures, in accordance with CDC guidelines, to protect our workers and those who need our assistance. 

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Help people affected by disasters like wildfires, storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS or text the word DISASTER to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

We encourage eligible individuals to give blood or platelets to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. Learn more here. 

[Akron, OH] –(Thursday night), Summit County Board of Health passed a resolution effective immediately requiring the use of facial coverings/masks in public. Public includes all indoor facilities and outside when 6 feet of social distancing is unable to be maintained. Exceptions to the Board of Health resolution include:

1. When the individual cannot wear a mask because of a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or as otherwise provided for in CDC guidance.

2. If the individual is under 10 years of age.

3. While eating or drinking, provided that the individual is also seated.

4. In any circumstance where it is not practicable or feasible to wear a mask such as when receiving dental services, medical treatments, or while swimming.

5. While recreating or exercising outside as long as the individual is sufficiently socially distanced from others who are not members of their household based upon CDC guidelines.

6. While exercising in a gym or other similar business as long as the individual is sufficiently socially distanced from others based upon CDC guidelines.

7. When the individual is in their own workspace in an office setting that has sufficient separation from others.

8. When the individual is alone in an enclosed space, such as in an office or vehicle.

9. When the wearing of the mask is not recommended by industry standards or goes against a documented and reasonable safety policy. Those in professions which must communicate visually may wear a face shield instead of a mask and may receive communications in a similar manner.

10. When the wearing of a mask substantially burdens the practice of a sincerely held religious belief.

11. Where state or federal law permits an individual an exception or where the individual would be subject to a bona fide risk to personal health or safety.

Summit County will enforce these orders through complaint-based monitoring. Business are required to enforce the resolution for their employees and customers and if they fail to enforce they are subject to a $100.00 fine. A resident wishing to make a complaint about a business that is not following the masking orders, not properly socially distancing, or not following recommended cleaning guidance, is encouraged to contact the Summit County Public Health Covid-19 call line at 330-926-5795 or visit our website at www.scph.org/report.

Under the City of Akron Masking Order, businesses that fail to enforce the requirements of the order within their establishment, after a warning and an opportunity to correct the violation, could face a potential civil penalty of $250. Individuals who fail to comply with the order, after a warning and an opportunity to correct the violation, could face a potential civil penalty of $50.

Per the State of Ohio order, facial coverings must be worn in any indoor location that is not a residence; when outdoors and not able to consistently maintain six feet of distance from individuals who are not members of the same household; while waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, a taxi, private car service or ride sharing vehicle.

If you have questions, call the COVID-19 Call Line (330) 926-5795. The call line is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. M-F. Or visit our website at www.scph.org/covid