Mark W. Everson, American Red Cross President, and CEO met with Theresa A. Bischoff, Greater New York Chapter CEO (left) and volunteer relief workers at the Red Cross service area opposite Grand Central Station on Friday, July 20. (Photo: Nicolai Wichmann)

Two days after a steam pipe explosion in midtown Manhattan created a street-wide crater on Lexington Avenue and a 20-story geyser of steam rained debris on pedestrians, American Red Cross in Greater New York relief workers are continuing to provide meals and beverages to hundreds of first responders who are engaged in clean-up and security efforts.

Since Wednesday night, the Red Cross has staffed a service center at Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street, serving 2,000 meals, along with beverages and snacks to police, firefighters, Con Ed workers and others involved in restoring services.

Trained Red Cross mental health workers are also ready to assist with psychological first aid for anyone in need of emotional support.

Next week, Red Cross mental health workers will meet with up to 1,000 employees as they return to work in the Chrysler building to ease their transition back to work. Red Cross mental health workers are partnering with Disaster Chaplaincy, Disaster Psychiatry Outreach and the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and will have staff on hand daily to run small groups to provide information on stress reactions and coping, followed by individual sessions as needed.

Anyone with disaster-related questions should call the New York City 311 hotline.