Broken Arrow Red Cross Volunteer Assists Hurricane Victims

NewsOn6.com

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma -- Broken Arrow resident Rick Umstead is working in North Carolina helping people affected by Hurricane Irene.

Umstead is helping feed hurricane victims hot meals from an emergency response vehicle at the Southern Baptist field kitchen in Williamston, N.C.

8/30/2011 Related Story: Oklahomans On East Coast Affected By Irene

Umstead spent two years providing Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces before moving to Disaster Services. In less than a year, he has managed shelters, performed disaster assessments and distributed bulk supplies to victims at major disasters.

"You get a front row seat on life doing this," he said.

The American Red Cross continues to offer support to hurricane victims with more than 2,700 people staying in shelters Monday night. Since Friday, the Red Cross has provided more than 52,000 overnight shelter stays, according to Donita Quesnel with the Tulsa Area Chapter.

Ten kitchens have been set up in four states, and 260 emergency response vehicles have been mobilized.

The storm caused the cancellation of more than 60 blood drives, Quesnel said. People are encouraged to call 1-800-RED CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment to donate.