WASHINGTON: Major nonprofits are working hard to convey consistent messages while at the same time overcoming power challenges and public-transit shutdowns in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The American Red Cross' focus has shifted in recent days from preventative messages to focusing on what it is doing to aid people struck by the natural disaster.

“Now that Sandy has caused all this damage, we are telling [affected people] how they can count on us and that we are there for them,” ...