March is Red Cross Month

The Red Cross has done amazing work related to Hurricane Sandy spending close to $110 million dollars on relief efforts. More than 15,600 active volunteers worked to help victims. Volunteers assembled ‘Sandy Kits’ with survival materials. Many blood drives were cancelled because of the storm so the Red Cross had to put forth an extra effort to make up those drives. The Red Cross also partnered with the Army National Guard to help out in shelters in New York. They provided mental health services and meals.

A significant portion of the Jersey shore was flooded out. When those areas were re-opened, Red Cross was on the scene to provide assistance. Hopefully now New Jersey residents who do not have flood insurance will see the need to obtain some. It is extremely important to have even if they are not in flood-prone area. 25% of flood claims are filed outside a high risk flood area. They should not wait for an imminent flood warning to obtain flood insurance. Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.