Video: Red Cross President Visits Joplin, Missouri

Gail McGovern, the President and CEO of the American Red Cross, arrived in Joplin, MO Saturday following the recent tornado which devastated the area. The main purpose of her visit was to reassure the people of Joplin that the Red Cross will do everything within its power to continue helping in their recovery. If you would like to support Red Cross disaster relief, please visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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Disaster Update: Tornadoes in Texas

Rope tornado over Denton, Texas on May 24, 2011 at 8:05pm. Photo Credit: Brian Vinson (@brianvinson on Twitter)

After fanning out across the area to assess damage left behind by violent storms on Tuesday night, Red Cross teams have discovered that more than 100 homes received some type of damage. The breakdown is as follows:

(2) Homes Destroyed (both in Dallas County)
(32) Homes with Major Damage (Dallas Apartment Building)
(79) Homes with Minor Damage such as fences down, trees down, shingles off, windows out

In all, 113 families were affected by the storms. For those families who have no home left, the American Red Cross is assisting them with a safe place to stay and assistance so they can purchase new clothing, new shoes, groceries, items for their kids and more.

Given the seriousness of the storms, the Red Cross is relieved that more people didn’t suffer. For many, they recognized that they were not fully prepared for the intensity of the storms, so the Red Cross has created a site with free information that can help residents learn what to do if a tornado is approaching and they’re at work, at school, in a vehicle, mobile home and more. The best time to get educated about tornadoes is before the sky is rotating so citizens are encouraged to visit www.redcrossdallas.org/blog for helpful information.

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On The Road: Severe weather doesn't yield, you should!

Getting caught in severe weather in the middle of rush hour is a very real nightmare that could happen to us anytime and anywhere. Even when traffic is light, this is a very scary situation, one you need to plan for as much as you do at home or at work. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are caught on the road when disaster closes in on you.

• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
• Do not park under overpasses during severe weather. It can make you harder to see and someone could easily crash into your vehicle. In a tornado, an underpass is one of the most dangerous places you can be.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
• Keep all emergency contact information on you at all times including local police and fire, your family, and your out-of-town family contact from your family communication plan.
• In case roads are closed or inaccessible, take time now to learn alternate routes and ways to get where you need to go. There are often multiple ways to reach a destination.
• Keep a local map with you in case you need to walk or take another form of transportation.
• While commuting, carry with you a small flashlight, dust mask and a pair of protective gloves. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, emergency blanket, and first aid kit and emergency signals such as flares or a signaling flag.

If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy structure. If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park. Now you have the following options as a last resort:

• Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
• If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.

Keep your radio tuned to a local station at all times to stay updated on all the current weather in your area. Drive slow and stay aware of the changing conditions around you.

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Mobile home safety in severe weather

Tornado in Mississippi March 2011 - Photo Credit: Megan Burkes/American Red Cross

Mobile homes and RVs are some of the most dangerous structures you can find yourself in during severe weather and tornadoes. These structures cannot sustain the extremely destructive high winds that can hit unexpectedly and leave mobile or manufactured homes, temporary trailers and RVs unrecognizable – even if they are not in a direct storm path.

For people that live in these types of structures, extra planning and time are needed to ensure the safety of you and your family. In emergency situations, time is often one thing you don’t have, so make sure you have your plan ready and activate it early! Keep in mind that every year thousands of people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning.

We always tell you that your safe room should be a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building. This situation does not exist in mobile home structures so your best bet is to establish your safe place somewhere else. Never try to ride out a severe storm or tornado in any of these structures, even if the structure is tied down or seems protected. Protect your family’s lives and property by taking action when severe storms threaten.

Before the storm:

• Know when to evacuate and give yourself plenty of time before a WARNING is issued. If a WARNING has been issued, leave your manufactured home immediately.
• Decide where you will go and how you will get there. Have alternate routes planned in case one route is cut off by the storm or debris.
• Listen to your weather radio to stay updated on the storms in your area.
• Move to a sturdy building, a storm cellar, a relative’s or friend’s basement or evacuate if you have enough time to get clear of the whole area.
• If you have time and it is safe to do so, turn off the main water valve and shut off fuel lines and / or turn off bottled propane at the tanks. DO NOT disconnect. (A professional would need to reconnect your gas service).

At the first sign of severe weather or tornado and you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately. Do not wait until you see the tornado. As always, remember to include in your plan:

• A place to meet outside your neighborhood in case your family is separated when disaster strikes and you cannot return home.
• An out-of-area friend to be the person everyone calls if the family is separated. This friend can help you reconnect with others and let them know that you are ok. Make sure everyone, including children, has the address and contact information of the family contact with them at all times.

After the storm has passed, do not assume that you will be able to return home and always stay out of damaged buildings. Knowing what to do is the best protection for you and your family. Make your plan and prepare for disaster before it happens at home and at work.

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Know the Signs, Know the Difference

Disaster does not discriminate and nobody is immune. That fact has been made painfully clear in less than one month with record setting tornado outbreaks and destruction. Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and now Missouri are just a few of the areas in the Midwest that have experienced such devastation. Rural or urban, a hospital or a barn, it didn’t matter - the storms hit where they hit. And, yes, it can happen here too.

As these storms come into the area, you need to know the warning signs severe thunderstorms and tornadoes sometimes give and the difference between a watch and a warning. This knowledge could be the difference between getting to safety in time and getting caught unprepared.

Watch: Severe weather or tornado is possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect severe weather is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!

Warning: Severe weather or a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately underground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

Tornadoes are deadly and can strike without warning. Keep listening to your weather radio for potential tornado warnings in your area. If a warning is issued for your area, head to a sturdy shelter immediately or if you notice any of the following tornado danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish clouds—a phenomenon caused by hail
• Wall cloud—an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm
• Cloud of debris
• Large hail
• Funnel cloud—a visible rotating extension of the cloud base
• Roaring noise

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least one inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.

Refer to these tips to help you prepare and keep you safe at home, at work and on the road.

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Family, Children, Pets - they all need a plan!

As with any situation, being prepared is the key to survival. You wouldn’t go into a meeting without your presentation, you wouldn’t send your child to school without their school books, and you wouldn’t walk into a final exam without studying. You take such care making sure you and your family prepares for daily life, the same care should be taken to prepare for a disaster.

At home, develop a plan that the whole family knows and practice it regularly. In a tornado or severe weather, everyone needs to know where the safe room is. Practicing this drill is just as important as practicing your fire drill. When making your plan, include the following:

• A safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.
• During a thunderstorm. This safe room should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
• An emergency kit that includes the basic necessities you will need while waiting out the storm such as a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, emergency blanket, and first aid kit.
• A plan for family pets to get them into a safe area. Make sure they have collars or identification on them in case they get out. If they are in the room with you make sure you have food and water for them as well as a leash or kennel to keep them secured.
• Each member of the family should have a list of emergency contacts and one out-of-area contact person should be designated since it may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or programmed into their cell phones.
• A safe meeting place. Not every disaster will happen when you and your family are all together in your home. After a disaster strikes make sure there is a safe meeting place established away from the neighborhood to meet up. Access to your home may be cut off, so you need a familiar place that everyone would be able to get to.

More useful tips and a checklist on what you can do to build a plan for your home and pets can be found at www.redcross.org.

Helpful Checklists from RedCross.org

• Thunderstorms (PDF)
• Tornadoes (PDF)
• Pet Safety (PDF)

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Workplace Preparedness – planning means your home away from home too!

You have your disaster preparedness plan at home and you practice it regularly with your family. Your weather radio, your emergency kit and your safe room are all ready to go. But think about the number of hours you are away from home every single day either at work or school or driving to and from work, school or errands. You may know how to take care of yourself when you’re at home, but did you ever make a plan for these situations?

The tornado that ripped through Joplin, Mo. on Sunday occurred before 5:00 p.m. In Alabama, it was about 3:00 p.m. when some of the deadliest tornadoes struck that state. If you only plan for home, you are only planning for half of the time you could be caught in a disaster.

Severe weather tips at work:

• Know your emergency plan at your place of work. You should know the safe shelter area for your office and the safest route to get to it from any area in the building.
• Your workplace should have someone designated to call for emergency services, coordinate moving people to safe areas, and to take a headcount of all employees. Be sure everyone knows who to turn to in emergency situations.
• Emergency kits should be positioned based on the layout of your building and locations of safe rooms. All kits should include basic necessities such as a weather radios, flashlights, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, and first aid kits.
• Get training so that at least one person (depending on the number of people in your office) has current CPR certification and First Aid training. All employees should know the person or persons to contact to respond for CPR and First Aid needs.

Severe weather on the road:

• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
• Do not park under overpasses during severe weather. It can make you harder to see and someone could easily crash into your vehicle. In a tornado, an underpass is one of the most dangerous places you can be.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
• Keep all emergency contact information on you at all times including local police and fire, your family, and your out-of-town family contact from your family communication plan.
• In case roads are closed or inaccessible, take time now to learn alternate routes and ways to get where you need to go. There are often multiple ways to reach a destination.
• Keep a local map with you in case you need to walk or take another form of transportation.
• While commuting, carry with you a small flashlight, dust mask and a pair of protective gloves. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, emergency blanket, and first aid kit and emergency signals such as flares or a signaling flag.

More information is available at www.redcross.org for tips on workplace, school and commuter safety. Plan now to get employees trained in First Aid and CPR before a disaster by registering them for a class at your local Red Cross chapter.

Helpful Resources on RedCross.org

• Prepare Your Workplace and Employees
• Commuter Safety
• Train Your Employees (First Aid & CPR info)

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Ready your family communications plan before disaster calls!

We are often planting little reminders for you to get your supplies ready and know where your safe place is in case of an emergency. Communicating essential information about your plan to each other keeps you and your family safe. But have you planned how you will communicate when the disaster is upon you? Each situation will be different and you and your family may not all be in the same place when severe weather hits. You may also have family in other areas that you need to reach out to so they know you are safe.

As you Build a Kit and Make a Plan, be sure to include a Family Communication Plan as well. Each member of the family should have a list of emergency contacts and one out-of-area contact person should be designated since it may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or programmed into their cell phones. Also make sure that if you and your family get separated in an emergency situation that you have a set meeting place outside of the neighborhood. Each family member should know that is the place to go once it is safe to get there.

With the recent severe weather and more on the way, now is the time to get your Family Communication Plan set. It’s easy and only takes moments to make sure you and your family stay connected. Download the Emergency Contact Cards PDF to help get you started. You can fill in all the information you will need in case of a disaster and each folds up to wallet size so you can carry it anywhere.

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Let them know you are Safe and Well

With the deadly tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on Sunday afternoon, friends and family are desperately trying to make sure their loved ones are accounted for. With many disasters happening across the country, the Red Cross Safe and Well website is one way for people to check on loved ones in areas where disaster has hit.

Safe and Well allows people in the affected areas to list themselves as “safe and well” online whether they are in a shelter, staying with friends, or if they are moving to another location. Friends and family outside the disaster area can then search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address. Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website.

You can either register yourself or search for a registered family member on Safe and Well by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Safe and Well can also be accessed from a smart phone by going to www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on either “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search Registrants”.

Communication is key before, during and after a disaster. Make certain you have a plan with your family members that may be dispersed throughout the country before a disaster hits. Remember that communications may be overloaded or down completely after a disaster. Utilizing resources like Safe and Well, social media, and email can help you get a message to your loved ones quickly, but it is only effective if they know where to check for your updates in case of a disaster.

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Disaster Update: Tornadoes in the Midwest

People in Joplin, MO seeking immediate transportation to shelter can find information on the Joplin city web site.

The Red Cross is providing food, shelter and emotional support for the people whose lives have been disrupted by these tornadoes that devastated neighborhoods in Missouri, Minnesota, and other parts of the Midwest.

• Red Cross workers opened shelters in the damaged areas within hours and provided people with food and water and a safe place to stay.
• Red Cross emergency response vehicles in Missouri responded immediately and more vehicles are on the way to help distribute food, water and relief supplies in the affected neighborhoods.
• Red Cross workers are being deployed and relief materials, including personal hygiene items like toothbrushes and shampoo, tarps, coolers, rakes and other clean-up supplies, are now being sent to Joplin, Missouri.
• Trained health services and mental health workers are enroute to areas affected by the tornadoes to help people cope in the aftermath of these tragic storms.

People should register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website to let loved ones know they are safe. They can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). People in the affected areas can list themselves as “safe and well” on the site. Friends and family outside the disaster area can then search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.

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American Red Cross Using Technology to Help People Prepare for Hurricane Season

Photo courtesy of NOAA

With new predictions for an above-average 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, the American Red Cross is adding technology to the many ways it helps people to get prepared.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that 12-18 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes will occur this year. The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and families can take steps now to create a family emergency plan.

To make that planning easier, the Red Cross has developed a free iPhone app that gives the location of all open Red Cross shelters. The app not only maps the location of a shelter, but also shows current capacity and population. To download the app, users can visit the Apple store and search "American Red Cross shelters." For those without an iPhone, the same shelter information also appears on the Red Cross website and can be accessed by visiting www.redcross.org and clicking on "Find a Shelter." Both are refreshed with updated information every 30 minutes.

In addition, the Red Cross Safe and Well website now allows users to update their Facebook and Twitter status when they register on the site. Safe and Well is a secure way to let your loved ones know where you are going during a hurricane evacuation or that you are "okay" in the aftermath of a disaster. If users choose to do so, they can easily let their entire network of friends and family know they are safe in one step.

"This is an ideal time to get a disaster supply kit ready, make an evacuation plan with your family, and get information on what to do during a hurricane," said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services. "It’s also the right time to learn how to locate a shelter or use Safe and Well, and new technology is making it even easier to do that."

Along with working to prepare people in the U.S., the American Red Cross is working to prepare vulnerable populations in Haiti with training in early warning systems and emergency first aid, as well as other measures, as hurricane season approaches for that country, which is still dealing with the 2010 earthquake that left so many homeless.

More broadly, the global Red Cross network has been working with the Haitian Red Cross to help Haitians better prepare for and respond to disasters. For example, an estimated 5.5 million text messages about ways to prepare for disasters have been sent to Haitians.

American Red Cross disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction programs have helped Haitians in about 40 camps prepare for heavy rains and hurricanes, and this program will expand in the months to come. Some of the activities held in these camps include emergency first aid courses, training in early warning systems (bullhorns and whistles), projects such as digging ditches and sandbagging hillsides, preparation of evacuation routes, and workshops to teach children about disaster preparedness.

In addition, Haitian Red Cross branches across the country have been strengthened with extra training for staff and new office and communications equipment. More than 1,600 people have been trained by the Red Cross in vulnerability and capacity assessment or community-based disaster management. The Red Cross has also built a Disaster Operations Center in Hinche and pre-positioned relief supplies for 25,000 families to be used during future disasters in Haiti. The American Red Cross has also helped to supply additional tarps to vulnerable Haitians whose shelters may be damaged or destroyed, and have staff on standby to provide emergency response in coordination with members of the global Red Cross network.

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Red Cross Helps Those in the Path of Cresting Mississippi

A Red Cross worker disseminates information to Jimmy Ault, resident of Greenville, Mississippi at an Information Station outside of a Walmart. Photo Credit: Allison Graber/American Red Cross

As flood waters crest in multiple cities this week, the American Red Cross is working around the clock to ensure residents along the Mississippi River are prepared.

In Mississippi, the Red Cross has opened nine “information stations” where people can get flood preparedness information and talk to Red Cross workers about the services the Red Cross provides during a flood.

Residents who visit these stations can learn where shelters are located, and can also pick up bottled water, snacks and comfort kits (which contain daily personal items such as shampoo and toothpaste).

Teams of Red Cross workers trained in mental health, health services and spiritual care are also going door to door in some areas to talk to residents about flood preparedness. Volunteers from AmeriCorps National Community Civilian Corps (NCCC)—a long-time partner of the Red Cross—are also involved in these efforts.

In addition to distributing preparedness information, the Red Cross has opened seven shelters in Mississippi, with more on standby to help residents who evacuate from their homes.

In Louisiana, where the opening of the Morganza Spillway on Saturday is expected to affect thousands of people, Red Cross workers are also distributing flood preparedness information in potentially impacted parishes.

The Red Cross is prepared for a prolonged feeding and shelter response, with more than 20 shelters ready to open if needed in Louisiana. To ensure there will be enough volunteers to support a long-term sheltering operation, the Red Cross in Baton Rouge, La., is also recruiting and training more local volunteers.

Red Cross is ready to support flooding of Louisiana. Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) and dedicated volunteer crews, now totaling 11 in the state, stand ready to deploy from Disaster Relief Operations HQ in Baton Rouge. Photo Credit: Eric Jones/American Red Cross

Meanwhile, truckloads of Red Cross relief supplies made their way into the state over the weekend, including thousands of cots, blankets and comfort kits. The Red Cross is working closely with government and community partners to ensure workers, equipment, shelters, food and relief materials are in place as people evacuate from their homes.

Residents in inundated towns along the river not only need things to meet their physical needs, such as food and shelter, but also someone to listen and support them through this difficult and uncertain time.

Brenda Griffin has been through great emotional upheaval this year, and that was before the area known as “the cutoff” in Tunica, Miss., was covered by flood water. Many of the homes in the area were stilted as a precaution, but those homes and three fishing camps were wiped out by the Mississippi last week.

As Griffin talked with Red Cross emotional support worker Dominic Di Girolamo, she told him that her mom had recently died after a battle with cancer, and she that had to put down one of her beloved pets. The small town has also lost several of its residents to illness in the past few months. And now she’s lost her home.

“I’ve never been in a situation where I don’t have anything,” said Griffin. “I’m separated from all my stuff; I feel disoriented, like I’m floating on a raft in the ocean. My mom was always there for me and now she’s gone. She was the person who grounded everything.”

Griffin described the Red Cross shelter in Tunica as a safe haven where she and other Tunica residents from the cutoff can meet to catch up. Local restaurants and businesses have been closed, so the folks from the cutoff meet at the shelter to check in with each other.

For weeks to come, as waters remain high through many parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, Red Cross volunteers like Di Girolamo will be there to help residents through what is for many a life-changing disaster.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; you can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

2011 Spring Floods

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Steve Harvey to Help Raise Funds for Red Cross Disaster Relief

Listen to The Steve Harvey Morning Show all this week as the actor, comedian, entertainer and television and radio personality hosts "Neighbors Helping Neighbors Overcome Disaster," a radio fundraiser to help raise money for American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts.

Beginning Monday, May 16 through Friday, May 20, listeners will be able to donate to support Red Cross relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Monday morning Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern called in and thanked Steve and his listeners for their donations, as well as provided an update on Red Cross disaster operations. We are expecting a few celebrity callers during the shows, encouraging people to help the Red Cross. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. In Dallas/Fort Worth, you can listen to the show from 5am - 9am on Smooth R&B 105.7. Outside the area, listen online at www.steveharvey.com.

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Video: "God May Be Through With Me"

When Delores Hale got cancer, she thought "God May Be Through With Me." A year later, after she beat cancer, she decided to volunteer for the American Red Cross, and today is serving as a shelter manager in Tunica, Mississippi, helping flood victims.

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Southern States Grapple with Back-to-Back Disasters

Erica Williams, 12, receives a big hug from Janice Sawyer, Site Director for the Capitol River Chapter of Mississippi, in front of a flooded playground by Williams' home. Vicksburg, MS. Photo: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross

This year, spring tornadoes and floods have brought heartache to many parts of the South, but through it all, the American Red Cross is there to help people recover from April’s deadly tornadoes and now major flooding along the Mississippi River.

As the nation’s attention has turned toward the rising river, volunteers from the Red Cross and its community partners began going door to door this week to give residents flood preparedness information and to help them cope with this stressful situation. The Red Cross also opened shelters for residents evacuating flood-threatened areas, and remains ready to provide shelter for potentially thousands of people.

Even as many are now anxiously watching the Mississippi, other Red Cross relief efforts also continue across the South in response to the hundreds of tornadoes that devastated the region last month. Just over 1,000 people stayed in a shelter on Thursday night, including more than 150 in hard-hit Alabama. In that state, more than 12,000 homes were either destroyed or heavily damaged; in North Carolina, almost 2,000 homes.

The deadly tornadoes didn’t spare Mountain City, Tenn., either. Many families are now clearing their land of debris or beginning to repair their homes—and the Red Cross is there to support them.

Teams of volunteers in Red Cross emergency response vehicles (ERVs) are delivering meals and distributing cleanup kits and coolers full of useful supplies such as flashlights, work gloves and safety goggles to the people who live in this remote town nestled in Cherokee National Forest.

“I think it’s great; it really helps us out,” said Taylor Robbins, 17, who along with her mother, collected supplies from the Red Cross. “It feels good that people care about us.”

Vince Nicely, a Red Cross volunteer for more than 10 years, is on ERV duty in Mountain City, handing out meals and comfort kits.

“We’ve been doing something different every day,” he says. “I’m learning new things and it feels so good to help.”

ERV driver Tim Hopkins says he’s in it for the long haul. “I just want to stick it out and make sure we’ve got everybody taken care of,” he said. “It’s fulfilling when people are in that shape and you’re able to help.”

Red Cross volunteers like Hopkins will be working across the South for weeks to come as the tornado recovery continues, and as relief operations follow the flooding Mississippi. You can read more about how the Red Cross is responding to this spring’s severe weather on Redcross.org.

How You Can Help

The Red Cross estimates that it will spend as much as $31 million responding to the wildfires, tornadoes and floods that have occurred over the past several weeks, while initiating another costly large-scale relief operation to help people along the Mississippi River. The Red Cross has received $23.2 million in pledges and contributions for disaster relief since March 31 to support the current response in 23 states around the country

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; you can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Volunteers remain strong as assignments are extended along the Mississippi River

American Red Cross disaster volunteers have had a long few weeks. It’s rare that so many bad things happen in so many areas in such a short amount of time. A true reminder that anything can happen anywhere, anytime.

Here at the Dallas Area Chapter, 27 volunteers who are nationally trained experts were deployed to areas in Alabama and Mississippi to respond to the deadly tornado outbreaks. Many of those that went were still washing the smoke smell out of their disaster vests from the massive wildfires that destroyed over two million acres right here in their backyard. Now, many of them are shifting gears from tornado to flood with extended assignments; and all eyes on the Mississippi River.

As they reflect on what they have seen so far, the heartbreak for those affected and the desire to stay and help comes through in even the simplest message. Tom Elliot is one of those volunteers. His brief message says it all:

“Mississippi had spotty tornado damage overall, but the small town of Smithville, population 800, was nearly wiped off the face of the map. 18 people died. They have US flags in front of the rubble of each house where someone died. We are now preparing for the floods. Vicksburg, Mississippi is due to crest on May 21st. We’re planning to open four mega shelters along the western side of the state and two mega kitchens. Mississippi wraps up one disaster and now has to face a second. Hardly seems fair.”

With record flooding following record tornadoes following record wildfires, no doubt it is taking a toll on everyone from emergency worker, to resident, to even the observers far from these areas. Our volunteers are tired. But they are even more resilient because the people being impacted by these terrible disasters need them to be.

On behalf of all of us keeping the home fires burning, we salute every one of you out in the field helping and we really hope to see you home soon.

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Red Cross Gearing up for Mississippi River Flooding

The American Red Cross is ramping up to help people along the Mississippi River, where forecasters are predicting potentially catastrophic flooding may occur starting later this week. The Red Cross is sending trained volunteers and supplies to the areas of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana threatened by the record flooding. Shelters are opening in some parts of those states.

Tom Elliott, an American Red Cross Disaster Volunteer from Dallas, Texas, was sent to Mississippi last week to help with the deadly tornado outbreak. Little did he know that a week later, his team would not only be responding to that disaster, but that they would be gearing up for one that could be even worse.

“We’re preparing for Vicksburg, MS to crest on the 21st,” said Elliott. “We’re planning to open four large shelters on the western side of the state and two large kitchens. We’re not even wrapped up with the first disaster and now the people of Mississippi have to face a second.”

Across the south, deadly tornadoes destroyed or damaged as many as 13,000 homes in recent weeks. The Red Cross estimates the costs of its responses to the April tornadoes, Texas wildfires, flooding and other disasters since March 31 could reach $31 million—with the response to the Mississippi River flooding expected to drive relief expenses even higher. As of Thursday, May 5, the Red Cross had raised about $16 million for disaster response since March 31.

Thousands of people have been affected by recent disasters. Please consider making a donation today by clicking on www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

The Red Cross has launched 20 separate relief operations over more than half of the United States since March 31. A total of 27 disaster relief experts from Dallas, Texas are currently on assignment in MS, AL, AR, or TN. More are expected to deploy in the days and weeks ahead.

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Mississippi River flooding update

Red Cross Moving Supplies and Volunteers to Help People Along the Mississippi River and in Tornado-Ravaged South
As flood threat increases, so does the need for donations

Forecasters are predicting catastrophic flooding may occur along the Mississippi River in the next few days, and the American Red Cross is ramping up to help people along the river as efforts continue to assist thousands of people in tornado-ravaged communities across the South.

The Red Cross estimates the costs of its responses to the April tornadoes, flooding and other disasters since March 31 could reach $31 million—with the response to the Mississippi River flooding expected to drive relief expenses even higher. As of Thursday, May 5, the Red Cross had raised about $16 million for disaster response since March 31.

These disaster costs are in addition to the approximately $378 million that the Red Cross must raise annually to respond to more than 65,000 disasters each year.

“We’re gearing up to respond to major flooding along the Mississippi River,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “Red Cross workers and supplies are already on the way there, even as we continue to provide for the people affected by the tornadoes.”

The Red Cross is preparing to launch a prolonged shelter and feeding operation for people living along the Mississippi, sending in leadership teams, calling down disaster workers and pre-positioning thousands of cots, blankets and other relief supplies. More than 400 Red Cross workers already are in Memphis to support efforts there and in other nearby communities. Experts are warning that flood waters could remain in areas for as long as two weeks, forcing people to stay in shelters for more than a month.

Meanwhile, more than 6,000 Red Cross workers are providing meals, shelter, hygiene and cleanup supplies and health and mental health services to people affected by the recent tornadoes.

The Red Cross has launched 20 separate relief operations over more than half of the United States since March 31, responding to disasters from North Dakota to the East Coast and all throughout the South. Since the end of March, the Red Cross has opened more than 170 shelters and provided more than 13,000 overnight stays, serving more than 1.2 million meals and snacks to people affected by wildfires, flooding and tornadoes.

The Red Cross urges people living in and around the Mississippi River to get prepared now. If their neighborhood is threatened, they should:

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for the area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If someone comes upon a flowing stream where water is above their ankles, they should stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a person off of their feet.
• If someone comes upon a flooded road while driving, they should turn around and go another way. If caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around them, they should get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

People should know what the warnings mean. A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in the area. If a flood watch is issued, people should move their furniture and valuables to higher floors of their home. People should keep their vehicle’s gas tank full in case they have to evacuate.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the area. If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations for information. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

Thousands of people have been affected by these disasters. Please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Video: Update from Tennessee

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Cee Lo Green "Thank You" Music Video Tribute for Volunteer Firefighters

From Duracell's Facebook page:

"When Cee Lo Green heard about what Duracell was doing to power volunteer firefighters, he wanted to help. The issue hits home for Cee Lo, who wanted to be a firefighter when he was growing up—and whose mom served as a volunteer firefighter. His message in the lyrics of “Thank You” is one of deep appreciation for all of the courageous heroes who sacrifice their time and energy to help others. Download the limited edition song for free here, and keep spreading the message of thanks!"

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Three people, One call

Written by Jeanne Shuffler

When an F4 tornado rips through Alabama and over 300 tornadoes strike 11 states, a lot of phone calls are made once the skies stop rotating. One call is to our nationally trained and selfless team of experts in disaster response. The American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter sent nearly 20 of these volunteers to Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and other areas affected by the recent and devastating spring storm outbreak. Three of those volunteers shared with us the unimaginable and, at times surprising, things they witnessed and experienced in their first week.

Maureen Gargiulo and Sylvia Rodriguez rolled out of the Dallas Area Chapter less than 24 hours after the tornadoes hit. Driving one of the many Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) that would eventually be deployed for these storms, Maureen and Sylvia made their way through Tuscaloosa and then on to Birmingham for the night. Upon arriving, they were met with stark darkness, a reminder that there was little or no electricity in many areas.

Reaching their final destination in Rainsville near the northeast corner of Alabama, they realized this was unlike any other tornado operation they had worked before. Sylvia summed up her initial reaction saying, “It’s like someone just threw a bomb here. Everything is flattened.”

Traveling sometimes hours, they drive to hard hit communities in Alabama as well as crossing over to areas in Georgia and Tennessee. With their primary role to provide feeding in the communities, the logistics of 7:00 pm curfews and debris covered roads became something they would have to adjust to. During breakfast and through lunch, the neighborhoods would be bustling with people sifting through what was left of their home looking for any belongings that could be salvaged. By dinner, everyone would be gone, heading off in every direction to the homes of friends or family before night, and curfew, fell.

Through the devastation and the debris that Sylvia calls “The Mountains” surrounding them, there is an undeniable spirit of strength and community in the air. In one area, a place was set up where residents could take papers and documents belonging to their neighbors so they could get them back. In another area where one person’s home was a total loss, they are seen helping to put a new roof on their neighbor’s home. Another man who had lost his wife, went to volunteer to help his community rebuild.

The most surprising thing Maureen and Sylvia have encountered is the outpouring of support the Red Cross and other relief workers have received. As they make their way through the neighborhoods handing out meals, people are offering to donate money to the Red Cross and asking the volunteers how they are holding up. Sylvia recalled one woman commenting about how hard it must be for her to be out there, away from her home and family.

“I could only think to myself – no, it is harder for you!” Sylvia said. “They have lost their homes and they are asking if we are ok. It’s like they feel they have to take care of everybody else in addition to themselves.”

Maureen has seen this amazingly strong spirit from the people they meet too.

“All the locals want to help,” she said. “The people are taking care of the people up here.”

Over in northwest Mississippi, volunteer Ben Linke has experienced much of the same. Ben has been assisting with bulk distribution, helping with disaster assessments and generally getting needed items out to support the community.

In the 17 counties Ben has been working in, he has seen varying levels of damage. The town of Poplar Creek is one that was completely devastated and, in his words, a total loss. Right now, he and other Red Cross workers are doing their best to meet the needs of this community with comfort and clean-up kits and even diapers and baby food for those that have no other way to get these items.

Photo by Rusty Surette/American Red Cross

While visiting Prime Flats, he noticed one house standing with minimal or no damage with everyone pitching in to fix the roof. Two houses down, there was nothing left but the kitchen walls. Where you might expect to see despair here, instead stood pride. Since they no longer had a front of the house to hang their American flag, the homeowners made a makeshift flag pole from what was left of their mailbox post and some duct tape where that flag is now flying high.

In another area, Ben went to go check in on one gentleman who greeted him at the door and reached out to shake his hand.

“I looked down and noticed we were shaking hands through his screen door.” Ben said. “He didn’t seem shocked by it though and just walked out on the front porch and started talking to me.”

In all, it seems everyone is just grateful that help is there. “Our presence here is hot being overlooked,” Ben said.

Each of these Red Cross volunteers has consoled many tears and felt some uncertainty along with the residents. There still hangs a very present sense of anxiousness among the community. Storm spotters are still on the ground and the television stations are still running a constant scroll across the bottom of the screen telling people where they can get help and what they need to do.

For all of our Red Cross volunteers the days are often long and challenging. In the ERV, there is constant construction, difficult roads and long drives.

“Sometimes we will drive one or two hours to get to the place where we need to be going,” Maureen said.

Ben praises the very cohesive team he is with for keeping things running. A true sign of unity can be found in the staff shelter that was donated to them, a former United Methodist Camp which was unanimously dubbed “Camp Clara Barton”.

Now the areas are facing rains and the fear of widespread flooding is creating renewed concern. Maureen said there was a definite sense of urgency in the neighborhoods with people working as quickly as possible to salvage belongings before the water comes. Not sure when they will return home as the situation continues to change, two things to remain certain. One, these Red Cross volunteers are ready to stay as long as they are needed and, two, they will return with many more stories of strength and resiliency from the these amazing communities.

Video: Getting to Know Red Cross ERV Drivers



Photos: Tornado Damage in Alabama and Mississippi
Photos from Anita Foster and Ben Linke

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Video: Red Cross Prepares for Record Flood

As the Mississippi River crests at record levels in Memphis, Tenn., the Red Cross is in ready to open as many shelters as necessary to take care of evacuees.

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Gifts to Show Mom You Care

Flowers are nice—but the gift of preparedness is one that endures.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you may be thinking of what to give the person who brought you into the world. Fortunately, the American Red Cross has many items to help you show your love.

Kits

Almost everyone believes preparedness is important, but it’s a fact that close to 60 percent of Americans are wholly unprepared for a disaster of any kind.

Having an emergency preparedness kit can help put your mind at ease. Some kits—such as the Vintage-Style Emergency Preparedness Kit—contain everything from emergency food and water to first aid supplies and a radio. The Personal Safety Emergency Pack includes basic preparedness and first aid items, and is small enough to stash in a glove compartment.

The 66-piece Deluxe Personal First Aid Kit contains the essential items to help you be prepared for minor injuries. This is another compact kit that is great for the car or office.

Radios

The electricity is out, and you need information fast. The American Red Cross Microlink FR160 Eton Emergency Radio and the Solarlink FR360 Eton Emergency Radio can help keep you informed.

Both radios can be charged with both solar power and a hand crank, giving you unlimited power for AM/FM radio, NOAA weather channels, emergency lights, cell phone battery life and more.

Other Fun Gifts
If your mom is already well-stocked with preparedness items, consider giving her some stylish Red Cross gear, such as a jacket, t-shirt or hat. Or give her a classic Red Cross vintage field bag to carry all her essentials.

Check out the many other items and gifts at the Red Cross Store, and have a very happy Mother’s Day!

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Show Her You Care: Prepare!

Being able to contact our loved ones is something we may take for granted—and it’s only in an emergency that we realize how tenuous those connections can be. So when you call your mom this Mother’s Day, take a few minutes to make an emergency communication plan.

Make a Plan

Print out the Emergency Contact Card to help guide you. Write down your local emergency numbers and the contact information for an out-of-area emergency contact person. As often happens during disasters, it may be easier to text or call long distance since local phone lines may be overloaded or out of service.

Putting a plan in place can help families stay connected with loved ones nearby and overseas, should an emergency strike. Every year, people are separated from their relatives in an emergency, such as an earthquake, typhoon or armed conflict. Telephone, Internet and postal services are often disrupted, leaving loved ones miles or oceans apart with no way to communicate.

Tips to keep in mind in case you can’t reach a loved one during an emergency:

• Call during off-peak hours or send text messages, which can often work even if telephone lines are down.
• Check social networking profiles, such as Facebook or Twitter.
• Contact employers, schools or religious centers where loved ones might go.
• Use a free Internet-based tool, such as Safe and Well at www.redcross.org, to send or search for messages from loved ones within the U.S.
• Reach out to the U.S. State Department (1-888-407-4747) to inquire about loved ones with U.S. citizenship who are traveling or residing in another country.

Restoring Family Links

The Red Cross also offers a free service to help re-establish communication between immediate relatives separated internationally by a war or disaster, and this past year helped reconnect more than 4,200 families.

Local caseworkers work with families to find loved ones and send messages until normal communications can be restored. In places like refugee camps, such a message is often the only method of communication available, but the words “I am alive” may be all that is needed to ease the minds of distraught relatives half a world away.

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Red Cross Relief Efforts Continue Across The South, An Update from Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones

American Red Cross Responds To
Deadly Tornado Outbreak Across The South

Dear Friends,

Watching the tragic images unfold in so many states including Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas over the past week has been heartbreaking to say the least. Thousands of people are coping with tremendous loss of loved ones, their homes and irreplaceable memories.

While it may seem like we’re powerless to help when such a vast portion of the country has been devastated by the worst tornado outbreak in our nation’s history, help is likely easier than you think. In this update, I’ll share with you all of the ways that we can send your help to these countless communities from right here in Texas.

Please know that all of us at the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter are committed to helping our neighbors move forward from these terrible storms. And you can be right there with us every step of the way. We can’t thank you enough for caring so much for others. Please accept our deepest gratitude and let me know if you have any questions that I don’t answer in this update.

Warmest Regards,
Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO
American Red Cross--Dallas Area Chapter

Current Operation Status

Red Cross disaster workers have been working tirelessly to help people in need, focusing on making sure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat, emotional support, basic health services and relief supplies. Early estimates show more than 13,000 homes across six states were destroyed or damaged by last week’s tornadoes. Now communities along the Mississippi River, that are only beginning to recover, are faced with the fear of widespread flooding.

Since March 31, the Red Cross has opened more than 130 shelters in 16 states providing more than 10,000 overnight stays to people in need. Tuesday night alone, more than 1,200 people spent the night in shelters in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

To date the American Red Cross has:

• Deployed more than 4,500 Red Cross workers from all 50 U.S. states to assist with recovery efforts. The Dallas Area Chapter has sent 7 volunteers to Alabama, 12 more to Mississippi so far with more local deployments anticipated.
  
  
• Worked with community partners like the Salvation Army and Southern Baptist Convention, to serve more than 560,000 meals and snacks.
  
  
• Sent 153 Red Cross emergency response vehicles to help distribute meals and supplies. The Dallas Area Chapter has sent one ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) to Mississippi.
  
  
• Distributed more than 253,000 relief items like hygiene kits, mops, brooms, tarps, shovels, work gloves and coolers to affected neighborhoods.
  
  

Telethons Hosted by Local Television Stations

Less than 24 hours after the storms hit, local TV stations reached out to the Dallas Area Chapter to host fundraising telethons for the Spring Storm Disaster Response. On Friday, April 29th, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter hosted telethons at WFAA Channel 8, CBS 11, and TXA 21 to collect financial donations. It could be considered an understatement to call the night successful raising over $50,000 in the span of about five hours. We owe a heartfelt thanks to all of our generous donors that called in to support the efforts of the Red Cross as numerous storms raged across nearly half the country.

How You Can Help

Any donation, large or small, will help. For example, $3 can provide a comfort kit for someone in a disaster. $6 can cover the cost of a blanket, $10 the cost of a hot meal. For $150, someone’s donation can cover the cost of providing food and shelter to a family of four for a day they spend in a shelter.

Donating is easy and only takes a moment. Those that want to help can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Top Headlines

American Red Cross President & CEO visits Birmingham, Alabama

Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO, joined Federal, State and local officials on a tour of tornado damage in one neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama. She describes what she saw, and the work of the Red Cross in the area. Watch the video

American Red Cross Responds to the unspeakable tornado destruction across Alabama

Words are not adequate to describe what the people of Alabama endured when Mother Nature unleashed her fury on April 27, 2011. The American Red Cross has fanned out across Alabama, and many others, doing everything possible to help. Watch the video

American Red Cross responds in 11 states to Spring Storms’ aftermath

From the Deep South to the Northeast, the American Red Cross is at work in 11 states to help people devastated by the recent deadly tornadoes and floods. Read more

American Red Cross ships desperately needed blood supplies to Alabama

The Red Cross is moving hundreds of blood products to Alabama to make sure hospital patients have the blood they need following the deadly tornadoes. Read more

You can get the latest developments by connecting with us!
Twitter | Facebook | Red Alert Blog | Red Cross Dallas Online

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April Storms Leave Communities Damaged, Inundated

April now looks to be the busiest month on record for tornadoes, having left more than 13,000 homes destroyed or damaged across six states, according to preliminary estimates.

The American Red Cross has spent most of this spring responding to the violent weather that has hit so many communities in the U.S. Since March 31, the Red Cross has:

• Served more than half a million meals and snacks with the help of community partners like the Salvation Army and Southern Baptist Convention; more than 165,000 have been served in Alabama.
• Opened more than 130 shelters.
• Provided more than 10,000 overnight stays, nearly half of which have been in Alabama.
• Made nearly 10, 000 health and mental health consultations.
• Distributed more than 253,000 relief items such as gloves, rakes, tarps and shovels.

In addition, nearly 4,500 Red Cross workers from all 50 states have assisted with relief and recovery efforts.

Due to the last few weeks’ tornadoes, flooding or in some states, a combination of the two, Red Cross shelters are currently open in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Vermont.

The Red Cross also has 153 emergency response vehicles traveling through seven states right now, providing hot meals and relief supplies to residents in need. Sixty-two of these vehicles are in Alabama, and an additional 17 are headed to the state.

In Pine Flat, Miss., a small community hit by an EF3 tornado last week, Red Cross workers stopped at the home of Charles and Marjorie Potts. The Potts’ home was damaged, and now his wallet is missing. Mr. Potts has numerous health issues, and since he has no way to pay for his medications right now, the Red Cross is helping to cover a portion of his prescription costs.

"The Red Cross has been a God's blessing,” Potts told Red Cross workers Carolyn Freeman and Rusty Surette. “Without your help I would likely be back in the hospital. I can't thank you enough," he said.

Meanwhile, the hits keep on coming for states just beginning their recovery from April’s storms. Heavy rain and swelling rivers are now creating flood concerns across Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana as the Mississippi River continues to rise. The Red Cross is on alert to help these communities when needed.

How You Can Help

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. Those who want to help people affected by disasters like wildfires, floods and tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; you can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Tornado damage: Gail McGovern visits Birmingham, Alabama

Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO, joined Federal, State and local officials on a tour of tornado damage in one neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama.

She describes what she saw, and the work of the Red Cross in the area...

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Local Telethons Raise Money to Support Disaster Relief Efforts Across the South

On Friday, April 29th, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter hosted telethons at three local television stations to collect donations primarily benefiting the Spring Storms Disaster Response. It could be considered an understatement to call the night successful raising over $50,000 in the span of about five hours. We owe a heartfelt thanks to all of our generous donors that called in to support the efforts of the Red Cross as numerous storms raged across nearly half the country.

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the stations that held these telethons for us making it all possible. In Dallas, we had the support of our exclusive media partner for the Dallas Area Chapter’s 100th Anniversary, WFAA Channel 8. In Fort Worth, we received a warm welcome from the CBS 11 and TXA 21 teams. These stations all reached out to the Red Cross less than 24 hours after deadly tornadoes ripped through several states including Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

As always, we were very dependent on our volunteers to staff the phone banks and getting so many people placed in multiple areas on short notice took some work but we made it happen. In all, we had about 36 volunteers step up to help take your calls. A definite hats-off to all of them for so thoughtfully giving their time!

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Frequently Asked Questions: Spring Storms and Tornadoes

How can I donate food and/or clothing, toys, etc. to victims of the disaster?
On larger relief operations we serve thousands of meals to victims of disaster and first responders every day. In order to ensure we meet health codes and are as efficient as possible, we are not able to accept donations of food from individuals. If you would like to donate food items, we recommend contacting your local food bank for information. If you’re interested in starting a food drive, it’s best to contact the food bank before you start collecting, so that you’re collecting exactly what is needed so that your donation can make the biggest impact in your community.

Donations like clothing and shoes require a lot of resources to sort, clean and distribute. Since our focus is on meeting the immediate needs of disaster victims, we work with agencies in the community, such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries who are set up to process these types of donations. You can also call 211 for information on where you can take material items you have collected.

Why doesn’t the Red Cross accept donations of clothing and other small items?
Our primary focus after a disaster is getting help to large numbers of people in a short amount of time. We try to focus our workers on that goal and often don’t have the resources that it takes to sort, process, store and transport small donations.

In addition, we want to be consistent in the help we give to disaster victims and cash donations allow us to purchase large quantities of goods that help us do that. Financial donations also help us meet any specific needs a disaster client might have.

Will the Red Cross replace groceries or food lost because of a power outage?
Red Cross feeding services at shelters and through mobile feeding efforts are meant to ensure that no one goes hungry after a disaster. Power outages are often widespread and sometimes affect hundreds of thousands of people. It would be nearly impossible—both logistically and financially—for the Red Cross to replace groceries for that many people.

How can the American people help during this difficult time?
People can help by making a donation to help the thousands of people affected by this disaster. They can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Does my donation really help? What will it be used for?
The donations we receive for Red Cross Disaster Relief are put to good use. 91 cents of every dollar is used to support disaster victims. Any donation, large or small, will help. For example, $3 can provide a comfort kit containing personal hygiene items for someone in a disaster. $6 can cover the cost of a blanket, $10 the cost of a hot meal. A $50 donation can cover the cost of food and shelter for a day, including three meals, blankets, comfort kits and the Red Cross expense of mobilizing them to the disaster area. For $150, someone’s donation can cover the cost of providing food and shelter to a family of four for a day they spend in a shelter.

What is the Red Cross doing to help people affected by these deadly Spring storms?
Red Cross workers are deploying from all over the country, and we are helping people today – and we will be helping them in the weeks ahead as they try to get back on their feet.

Our first priority is to provide food and shelter to the thousands of people whose lives were turned upside down by these storms. We are focused on providing safe shelter, feeding victims and emergency workers, providing mental health and emotional support services, providing basic first aid and health services, and distributing clean-up supplies and comfort items.

This is a severe and widespread disaster affecting a number of states, and many people are depending on the Red Cross and our government partners for assistance. Some areas are taking time to get to because of the destruction and impassible roads.

How does the Red Cross pay for the services it provides?
We rely on the donations of the American people to support our work. Financial contributions to American Red Cross Disaster Relief allow us to serve victims of more than 70,000 disasters a year. Every day, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 200 disasters ranging from house fires to tornadoes and massive hurricanes – each one devastating to the people involved.

I have friends and family in the affected area. Is there any way to find out if they are okay?
The Red Cross Safe and Well secure Web site is a way to find out how loved ones are in a disaster. The people in the affected area can let their loved ones know they are safe by registering as “safe and well” with a telephone number or address. Friends and family outside the disaster area can then search the site for messages from their loved ones.

• To register, people should visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the “List Yourself or Search Registrants” link under “How to Get Help”.
• People in the affected areas can list themselves as “safe and well” on the site by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.
• Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well Web site.
• From a smart phone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search for friends and family” link.
• From any phone call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and one of our operators can help you register.

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