Alexandria Chapter Responds to Two Major Disasters

The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region came together to respond to 2 very large-scale events early in the week, on June 22nd. Alexandria, along with Arlington, Loudoun and the National Capital Area Chapters worked together and shared resources in support of these two events.

The first event was a Fairfax County response to a 200 unit independent-living facility that was evacuated after an underground generator exploded.  The first explosion set off a secondary explosion in the natural gas line. The 130 evacuees were transported to the Ashlawn Elementary School.  The Alexandria Chapter worked together with other local chapters to establish shelter, provide food and drink and keep the residents safe and comfortable. 

The second event was the Metro train crash.   The Alexandria, Arlington and National Capital Area Chapters were the first to respond.  Red Cross volunteers staffed the Family Reunification Center opened by the DC HSEMA.  We worked with victims and their families during the hours the center was open.  Four Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers were on-site throughout the response.

The Region deployed several ERV’s and Canteening vehicles to the crash site. Over 30 Red Cross workers manned this post into the evening and through the night; they opened two feeding locations and an Incident Command Center. Our region provided meals, snacks, coffee, tea and cold drinks.  Volunteers and staff have also been available to the victims, their families, the numerous First Responder agencies and the multitude of emergency staff working at the crash site.