The American Red Cross is facing a big increase in need this spring.
Across the country, extreme weather is causing a difficult start to the year, said Edgar Olivo of the American Red Cross.
"Severe winter storms have pushed thousands of families to turn to the Red Cross for shelter, food, and basic supplies, and the scale of it is pretty staggering," Olivo said.
The organization said it delivered more aid in just the first month of this year’s winter storm response than it did during the first month of the Los Angeles wildfires. And it had to mobilize 50% more disaster workers for January 2026 than it did in January 2025.
In the northeast, Olivo said the Red Cross is preparing to respond to flooding as snow melts and spring rainfall is expected. He said now is a good time for everyone to make sure they are prepared for anything.
"Put together a basic kit: water, some non-perishable foods, medications, a flashlight, and important documents, just the essentials, somewhere you can grab them fast," he said.
Olivo also said make sure your loved ones know where to go and how to reach each other during an emergency, even if the power goes out.
More emergency preparation information and ways to help are available on the Red Cross website.
