Elkton, MD – May 16, 2006 – 218 people were assisted with temporary shelter by Red Cross-trained staffers of the Kent County Public Health Department, after their evacuation caused by an unspecified chemical problem at Chestertown Foods where they work. Approximately fifteen of the workers were treated for medical concerns at the respite center, located at Washington College.

Local Red Cross volunteers were on the scene of the incident, and provided approximately 100 emergency personnel with food, donated by McDonalds in Chestertown. The emergency teams were also provided with water through the assistance of Superfresh in Chestertown.

This collaboration demonstrated how the American Red Cross works alongside community partners to assist all families with their disaster-caused needs.

The American Red Cross takes care of the immediate basic needs of all those affected whenever disaster strikes – free of charge. Volunteers and staff are on call 24/7 to meet with those affected by disaster and ensure that they are helped in the immediate hours following the disaster, and afterwards as they get back on their feet. Since the Red Cross is not a governmental agency, it relies on the contributions of time and financial donations from the American public to respond to disasters wherever they occur.