RTI matches staff contributions to Hurricane Helene relief efforts

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating landfall in Florida's Big Bend and its destructive path through the Southeast, millions are still without power, and entire communities are isolated. But hope is on the horizon.

The American Red Cross has launched a massive relief effort across 10 states, with dedicated volunteers working tirelessly around the clock. RTI is proud to support them with an initial $50K donation, plus matching employee contributions of another $80K through 458 generous donations to the Hurricane Helene fund.

Beyond financial support, RTI is committed to long-term solutions—researching ways to prevent, reduce, and mitigate the impact of future disasters. Discover how we're making a difference.

The Impacts of Hurricane Helene on Schools and Child Care Centers in Western North Carolina

Schools and child care centers, critical to communities in Western North Carolina, are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Having worked with facilities in the region for four years, we are deeply concerned for those affected. Restoring clean water and supporting schools and child care centers will be vital to the recovery process. RTI experts Nikki DeLuca , Andrew "AJ" Kondash , Jennifer Hoponick Redmon , Aaryn White share their thoughts.

RTI International works with NOAA to update precipitation frequency estimates across the U.S.

Our team is honored to be working with NOAA to improve flood risk management. Most recently this includes updating Atlas 14 Volume 12, and a pilot project for Atlas 15. This valuable work helps water planners and emergency managers better understand the risks of flooding events, leading to improved infrastructure design, planning and preparedness.

Read more about the initiative that will improve weather data used in flood risk management and infrastructure design.

We’re proud to spotlight Marko Lesukat, a globally renowned expert in disaster risk management (DRM) with over 23 years of experience in Africa. Marko leads the USAID-funded Disaster Risk Management Activity in Ethiopia, where he works to strengthen local disaster resilience, enhance early warning systems (EWS), and reform DRM policies at all levels of government.??

His extensive leadership includes decentralizing DRM across multiple Ethiopian regions, building capacity for emergency responses, and fostering community resilience through gender inclusion and climate adaptation. Marko's expertise is an excellent example of locally led solutions in DRM, ensuring sustainable, community-driven resilience.??

?? Learn more about Marko: https://www.rti.org/expert/marko-lekusat ??

3 Key Ways to Improve Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (#DRRDay) was honored on October 13, 2024. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard urban areas from disasters. Cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change and disasters, and improving DRR is essential for their resilience. Learn more as highlighted by our Urban Resilience experts, Verone Bernard and Zubair Fattahi.

Exploring an emerging issue at the intersection of climate change and human trafficking

Disaster responders and anti-trafficking actors need to be aware of the connection between disasters and human trafficking so that they can implement policies, procedures, and practices for prevention and intervention. Learn More.

In The Newsroom:

• RTI International delegation convening at COP29 as world leaders focus on how to finance critical climate action
• 15th annual NCSciFest announces RTI International as presenting sponsor for next 3 years
• Infusing More Than Medicine: DEHP Exposure from Medical Grade Plastic - Our experts, explore the impact of this transition. With the recent saline shortage, driven by hurricanes Helene and Milton, the urgency of finding sustainable and safer medical solutions has never been greater.

RTI acknowledged by TIME as one of America’s Best Mid-Size Companies 2024

“We are honored to be recognized on TIME ’s first America’s Best Mid-Size Companies list,” said RTI President and CEO?Tim J. Gabel . “At RTI International we strive to improve the human condition in all that we do, and this award recognizes our efforts.”

Interested in exploring open career opportunities at RTI? Check out this month's hot jobs and go to https://careers.rti.org to apply!

• Educational Technical Advisor – RTP, NC or US Remote – Social Sciences Research
• Finance & Operations Director - Guatemala City, Guatemala; Honduras; El Salvador; Bogota, Colombia – Finance & Accounting
• Technical Editor – RTP, NC - Communications

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