Tropical Storm Isaac Relief Update, Microsoft Corporate Citizenship Blog

By Molly Bull, Senior Communications Manager, Microsoft Disaster Response

Situation Analysis: August 29, 2012
Recently downgraded to a Tropical Storm, many continue to watch and track the progress of Isaac, which made landfall Tuesday evening in the U.S. Gulf Coast.  At landfall the storm was a Category 1 hurricane causing heavy rains and reaching wind speeds of more than 80 mph.  The slow-moving storm has spilled over levees, flooded communities, and is causing wind damage as it slowly works its way further inland.

Latest Information
For more information please follow NBC News or visit our disaster incident portal where we’re closely tracking information coming in from FEMA and other sources to share information on relief activities and storm movement.

Another great source of information is the American Red Cross’s Hurricane App. It provides great information about hurricanes, what to do immediately afterwards, and location-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) alerts. It will provide the information you need at your fingertips.

How You Can Help
Even before this hurricane made landfall, a lot of organizations were busy making preparations, gathering supplies, and educating people how to stay safe as the storm approached. Now that the hurricane has arrived, these organizations are on the front lines, providing direct relief to those who need it most.

· AidMatrix – Working in Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Highlighting specific items being requested by relief organizations working in Louisiana.

· American Red Cross – Providing ready-to-eat meals, setting up mobile kitchens, gathering supplies needed for relief efforts, among other activities.

· Save the Children – Set up a Hurricane Isaac Emergency Fund to collect funds to help protect vulnerable children and provide relief to families.

Read the story on Microsoft's Corporate Citizenship Blog