Heading Into the Storm: Do's & Don'ts

By Emily Ergas, intern contributor

As Texas residents, we are no stranger to tornadoes and the threat they pose to our communities. This August, Into the Storm, aims to bring an action packed suspense story of one town’s fight to survive while being hit by tornadoes left and right.

Watching the trailer, we’ll give you a play-by-play on the right and wrong things the characters are doing in reaction to the tornadoes. Feel free to watch along!


[Watch the trailer here.]

• Know your community’s warning system: (:13) Check. As graduation ends, the siren goes off to warn everyone of an approaching storm. (Though the rain is also a hint.)

• Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter: (:18) Well done. Everyone from outside moves into the school in a quick, orderly fashion.

• Pick a safe room – this should be a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows: Mmmm, half credit here. (:20-32) Everyone moves into a hall, on the lowest floor, away from windows. However, windows at the end of the hall cause damage and pose a significant risk to the characters.

• Prepare for high winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees: (:22) Obviously not done, as a tree limb comes crashing through the hall window, almost harming a student.

• Watch for tornado warning signs: (:51) Characters confirm that large hail is a result of an approaching storm, but then decide to go towards it...they are storm chasers, trained to do this, however.

• Stay out of damaged buildings: (:55) Two characters stand in the middle of a clearly damaged building. This is a very poor idea.

• If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter: immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter: (1:44) Several buses and cars are seen driving away from a tornado, but they seem to be trying to outrun the storm more than looking for a sturdy shelter. This is also never a good idea.

• Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately: (1:49) As a power line whips onto the road, a character swerves the car. Good job watching out, but if he doesn't report it, it’s going to remain a danger to everyone else.

Overall, the characters seem to react somewhat appropriately to the tornadoes in the trailer. Hopefully, the movie will emphasize important safety procedures, but for the facts, make sure to visit RedCross.org. And look out for Into the Storm in theaters TODAY!

Tweet

Volunteer Dan Barrios Reflects on One Year Since Granbury Tornado Outbreak

by Heather Wedel, Communications Specialist, American Red Cross North Texas Region

One year since the Granbury, TX tornado outbreak, volunteer Dan Barrios reflects on his experience as the shelter supervisor in Cleburne and Granbury, TX. 

On May 15 through May 17, 2013, a storm produced a total of 26 tornadoes touching down across four states. The strongest of these was an EF4 tornado which hit Hood County, TX, causing six deaths. That night, volunteer Dan Barrios remembers receiving a call from the Red Cross disaster services manager asking him to head to Ft. Worth to get instructions for a sheltering assignment. 

When asking Dan what first runs through his mind when he gets a call for deployment, he said, "First, I obviously think about my family, make sure they're okay and taken care of. Then I immediately drop everything and head to where I'm deployed. On my way there, I start thinking about the logistics in opening a shelter. With the Red Cross, you're provided so many training sessions that it all kind of kicks in."

On the night of May 15th, Dan headed to Cleburne, TX to begin opening the shelter for those affected by the tornadoes. He remembers having to find additional routes there, with the roads being blocked due to floods from the storm. Once he arrived in Cleburne, Dan worked a 20 hour shift, serving the community by opening a shelter. After his shift, he spent the night in a local hotel, and the next day was deployed to open another shelter in Granbury, TX, where the storm impacted the community the most. 

"I was actually in three different shelters in four days," Dan recalls. "I started in Cleburne, opened a shelter. Went to Granbury, opened a shelter. And then I went home for one day. The very next day, the storm hit in Moore, OK. I actually helped in opening the first shelter in Moore as well."

"I think the first time you see a shelter, you get a sense of how people need the help. They need somebody that can go in, control the situation and help provide what they need," said Dan. "People arrive in all different situations. There is a lot of uncertainty in those times and those affected are under a lot of stress."

Dan still remembers the folks he encountered in the Granbury shelter. "A man came in the shelter whose two kids were in the hospital and were severely injured by the storms. He didn't know what to do, he was walking like a zombie, in a state of shock," recalled Dan. "I was able to translate, speak some Spanish and guide him through the process of recovery. To help someone like that is truly a great feeling." 

One of the most remarkable situations Dan witnessed was when a family entered the Granbury shelter in need of feeding tubes for their daughter. The Red Cross nurses were able to work with the local fire department to go back into the families neighborhood to get her feeding tubes. 

"With the people you see, it produces memories you'll never forget," states Dan. "The work I do with the Red Cross is with the people. It breaks my heart to see what storms can do. I think about the anniversary of Granbury, and those people are still in my heart. I hope they're on a good road to recovery. No matter what impact I made, little or big, I hope I was able to be a positive force in their lives."

One thing in particular stood out to Dan about Hood County, TX: the community. "I remember the outpouring of the community, they really wanted to help. Not all community's have that, but this community really did. Everybody in those towns wanted to help," said Dan.

Dan along with his wife and son

Dan has been a volunteer with the Red Cross since Spring 2010 serving as a shelter supervisor, training instructor, community events team member, and even answers the phones from time to time. Professionally, Dan is a Sales Director and resides in Richardson, TX with his wife and son. 

As we remember the tornado outbreak last year, we continue to salute volunteers like Dan, and are thankful for their dedication and time. Red Cross disaster action teams (DAT) take on-call shifts to respond to emergencies in their local community 24/7/365. Here in North Texas, the Red Cross responds to about six home fires or other local disaster every day. Join Dan in serving our community by visiting, RedCross.org. 

Tweet

A Message From CEO T.D. Smyers: Unique New Way to Donate

by T.D. Smyers, CEO, American Red Cross North Texas Region

T.D. Smyers

As I write this message, nearly 40 American Red Cross volunteers from across the North Texas Region are deployed to help families with storm recovery in Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas and North Florida as part of the massive 13-state response to last week's tornadoes and floods. Volunteers are crucial to our mission in helping people in their time of need, making it possible for the Red Cross to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters each year. We know that not everyone can immediately rush to another state, but there are many other ways to help.

As always, you can visit RedCross.org to donate or text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10. Or, you can donate a vehicle. In February of this year, the Red Cross launched our Vehicle Donation Program, partnering with Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA). The program converts unneeded vehicles into Red Cross donations.

Have an older car in the garage that isn't being used? You may think that your old, beat-up vehicle is worthless, but the donation of that car could be priceless to someone in need of Red Cross services.

To make it easier on you, the donation is tax deductible and we'll provide free pick-up and towing. We accept cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, snowmobiles, jet skis, tractors, farm equipment and more, in any condition -- even salvaged.

Do you know someone that may be interested? To donate a vehicle, contact the Red Cross online at RedCross.org or call 1-855-92 RC CAR (927-2227) to make arrangements. An IAA representative will pick up your vehicle at a time that's convenient to you and at no cost. Once the vehicle is sold, they'll provide you with a tax receipt on behalf of the Red Cross.

It's that simple. With storm season ramping up, we need your help more than ever. Follow updates about the Red Cross response on www.redcross.org/dfw and on Twitter at @RedCrossDFW. Thanks so much for your support.

Tweet

Severe Weather Awareness Week: 5 Tips to Stay Safe During Severe Weather

Photo Courtesy of redorbit.com

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Severe weather has threatened nearly every part of the country already this year. The American Red Cross has steps you can take to help stay safe if dangerous storms threaten their neighborhood.

Step one: Refresh your household disaster plans. Jim Cantore, The Weather Channel meteorologist and member of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet, offers tips on what to do now to be ready when emergency strikes.

Step two: Download the free Red Cross tornado app for mobile devices. The tornado app puts everything you need to know to stay safe in a tornado at your fingertips.

Step three: Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer, during the afternoon and evening. However, like tornadoes, they can happen anywhere, at any hour of the day. Watch for storm signs and go inside. If you are outside or driving, there are things you should do to remain safe. Information about what to do before, during and after a thunderstorm is available on this web site.

Step four: Spring can be a time of year for flooding. People should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and head for higher ground when a flood or flash flood warning is issued. Other safety steps include

Step five: The Red Cross first aid app (DOWNLOAD APPS FOR MOBILE DEVICES) puts expert advice for everyday emergencies at someone’s fingertips. The shelter finder lets someone know where Red Cross shelters are open. The free apps can be downloaded from the iTunes or Google Play stores by searching for American Red Cross.

Tweet

National Weather Service Urges Preparedness as Second Storm Season Approaches

by Anita Foster, Chief Communications Officer, American Red Cross North Texas 

As we saw with the tornadoes and storms that hit the Great Plains this past weekend, severe weather isn't just for spring. In fact, we're entering into what’s known as the second severe storm season of the year. Yes, there really is a second storm season! To learn more about this topic and others, I sat down with Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist in Charge, at the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas for a conversation about—well, the weather. 

Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist in Charge, NWS

Winds & Floods

“People need to plan now for upcoming storms that can be just as strong as what we see in the spring,” said Bradshaw. “Typically, we hit a second storm season around September and October. While the storms aren’t as frequent, they can have the same deadly results as we saw this year in Granbury and Moore, Oklahoma.” 

Bradshaw points out that one of the biggest concerns during the fall severe storm season, in addition to wind and hail, is flooding. “We tend to see the biggest flood events happen in the fall, especially when we’re in drought seasons, which we are in now here in this area. Unfortunately, most droughts end in floods.” Stay flood safe this season by following these tips. 

An Unusual Pattern

Coming from western Oklahoma, Bradshaw is accustomed to communities being ready for big supercell thunderstorms, but here in North Texas, the past two years have been eye-opening. 

“We’ve had everything from large hail, damaging winds, even 10-20 tornadoes at a time here in North Texas just in the past two years,” Bradshaw reflected. “The images of 18-wheelers flying through the air and the neighborhood in Granbury pretty much leveled—that’s the kind of weather that hits this area about once a decade so it’s been unusual.” 

Because Mother Nature has a mind of her own, it’s critical that North Texans do make severe weather plans while the sky is blue. One area to talk about ahead of time is what to do if you’re kids are at school and severe weather is approaching. 

Schools & Preparedness

“After seeing what happened when the tornadoes hit the schools in Oklahoma, it’s clear there aren’t easy answers about what parents should do,” said Bradshaw. “But 99 out of 100 times, schools are safer than most places.” 

Bradshaw encourages everyone to think through what they would do if their kids are in school before the storm approaches. “Talk to the schools ahead of time, be sure they have a tornado plan. Comfort yourself with that information because it will help you to know that the school has your kids best interests at heart and that they know what to do to keep them safe.” He goes on to say that chaos can actually be created if everyone rushes to schools to pick up their kids. “If everyone descends on the schools, suddenly there’s a massive traffic back-up with a storm coming. You don’t want to lose those precious moments to stay safe.” 

If you’re kids school isn’t as prepared as you would like, point them to this reference page to help them be even better prepared before the next storm. 

Driving & Tornadoes

One frequently asked question we get at the Red Cross is if you should get in your car and drive somewhere if a storm is coming and you don’t have a safe shelter. Bradshaw gave great advice on the subject: 

“If you don’t feel safe where you are, and you are confident you have time, get in your car and drive to a safe place.” But he also warns that you should never leave during the storm. Once a tornado warning has been issued, it’s too late to make an alternate plan. “Identify, in advance, exactly where you’re going to go. But when in doubt, stay put.” 

CASA Radar Initiative

While we’re busy preparing as families during National Preparedness Month, the National Weather Service is doing the same as an organization with the new CASA Radar Initiative. In a nutshell, this complex radar system moves radars closer to the ground so that meteorologists can see the evolution of rotation. “We’re hoping to have about four of these new radars by the fall,” said Bradshaw. “By seeing the rotation closer up, we have better tools to warn the public.” 

If you’ve got six minutes to spare and like us, have a fascination with the weather, check out this awesome video about the new CASA radars. It features some of our favorite meteorologists including Rebecca Miller, David Finfrock and Larry Mowry. 

It’s Not “If,” But When

It was eerie to hear Bradshaw state the same thing we do every day at the Red Cross, and it’s why we talk to you so often about preparedness….it’s not a matter of “if” the Metroplex will be impacted by a storm system like the one that hit in Moore, Oklahoma, it’s just a matter of when. 

“The toll that a storm system like that would take on this densely populated Metroplex is immeasurable,” said Bradshaw. “We have well over six million people in the metropolitan area. The impact of an EF-4 or EF-5 tornado would be massive.” 

Before an emergency, work with your family to develop your comprehensive tornado safety plan. 

Prepare Now

Whether tornadoes, floods, heat waves or the unknown, we can all do our part to prepare. Take some time to create a checklist of things that you and your family should do in the event of an emergency. Things like packing a disaster supplies kit or talking about your family communication plan. If you’re getting ready for work or school in the morning and you hear that severe weather may be possible during the day, stick close to your radio, internet connection or mobile device. Follow @RedCrossDFW, @NWSFortWorth and your favorite meteorologists on Twitter for real-time information during storms. Think about what you’ll do if you’re in a mobile home, caught out on the road or separated from your family. 

The American Red Cross has a wealth of information on how to prepare at www.redcross.org. You can also visit the National Weather Service to check out the daily weather at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd. 

To follow the American Red Cross's response to the tornadoes in Nebraska and Iowa this weekend, follow @neiaredcross and @GreaterIA_ARC on Twitter.

Tweet

A Coke Will Do: Small Pieces of Comfort Delivered in Granbury, Texas

by Tonya Solis-Mosby, volunteer contributor

Sometimes in disaster it’s a small thing that gives you the push to go on, like a cold soft drink. That’s what Fay Adams wanted as she worked in 90-degree weather with her daughter, Cynthia Burns, to pick up the pieces of her daughter’s life after a devastating tornado struck the Rancho Brazos community of Granbury two weeks ago.

As American Red Cross workers passed the structure that was once Burns’ house, they offered Gatorade or water. While Burns accepted water, Mrs. Adams said she’d “do anything” for a soft drink. Anita Foster, chief communications officer, went to her vehicle for personal bag where she retrieved a Coke Zero. 

“You’re a woman after my own heart,” Adams said as a smile began to cross her face for the first time that day.

Burns was one of many residents of the community who was at home when the storm hit. She described the night as “horrifying,” adding that she and her husband were in their bedroom when the bedroom wall was ripped away exposing them to the outside elements. 

“I crawled to the bathroom,” she said. “He was trying to come but he couldn’t because something fell on him.” She said before the wall was blown away, she was holding their pet Chihuahua who jumped from her arms when the wall broke. The dog ran outside. She said they later found the deceased dog under a tree limb in the front yard.

In the two weeks since the tornado outbreak that also hit Cleburne and other areas in North Texas, the Red Cross has provided 176 overnight stays at shelters for displaced residents, served nearly 30,000 meals and snacks and distributed more than 10,000 relief items such as work gloves, rakes & trash bags. Additionally, licensed Red Cross disaster mental health counselors have had more than 650 conversations with residents to help them cope. The people of Rancho Brazos are still hurting, but they’re feeling the support of the Red Cross and others around them who want to reach out in ways that mean comfort and hope, be it a warm hug or a cold bottle of Coke.

Nearly 240 Red Cross disaster workers have worked on the relief operation in North Texas and hundreds more continue to work in Oklahoma. If you would like to help, you can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief today. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give a $10 donation that will be charged to your cellphone bill. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or donate online at redcross.org. 

Tweet

Talk About Tornadoes: How to Prepare Your Family for Storm Season at Home or School

by Kay Pinkerton, volunteer contributor 

A tornado outbreak hit the DFW Metroplex
April 3 last year

As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas.  

It can definitely be true when it comes to storms.

On April 3 of 2012, just one year ago, a tornado outbreak roared through North Texas, leveling houses, damaging schools and tossing tractor-trailers into the air like toys.  

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the storm system’s most violent tornado occurred in Forney/Rockwall. The F3 tornado touched down in Forney’s Diamond Creek subdivision, located near Crosby Elementary School. Crosby wasn’t directly hit by the tornado; however, high winds broke windows, damaged air conditioning units and ripped off sections of the roof. Children were in class at the time of the tornado. Neither students nor staff members were injured during the storm. 

The Fujita Scale classifies tornado intensities with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). An F3 tornado is considered severe, with wind speeds between 158-206 mph. 

Severe weather is one of the most common hazards in the North Texas area. If severe weather threatens while your child is at school, the Red Cross offers the following safety tips: 

Before a Tornado

• Have a plan. Learn the safest places to seek shelter when at home, work, school or outdoors. Discuss with your children. The American Red Cross offers a one-page Tornado Safety Checklist to help you and your family become "Red Cross Ready."
• Know your school’s severe weather procedures. For parents, it’s vitally important to review the school’s emergency procedures -- including its parent notification system -- before disaster strikes. School-to-school protocol can vary widely. And rules that detail early dismissals, bus runs and parent pick-ups can be daunting. Further, as situations change, so may the associated policy. The final goal is to keep children safe.
• Know where you live. Know the counties where your home and your child’s school reside. Make sure every family member knows, as well. 
• Remain alert. During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center can also help you remain alert to the possibility of severe weather during the school day. A great new way to stay on top of tornadic activity is to download the Red Cross Tornado App (more on that below!)
• Learn basic weather terms.  Know the difference between a watch and a warning:
• Tornado watch – tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.  
• Tornado warning – a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Seek shelter immediately. 
• Know your community’s warning system. Communities warn residents about tornadoes in different ways. Many have outdoor warning sirens.
• Watch for 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
• Download the Red Cross Tornado App. The free Red Cross Tornado App offers instant access to life- and property-saving information before, during and after tornadoes. You can receive real-time NOAA tornado watch and warning alerts – whether it’s in your community or places where your loved ones live. There are also apps available that provide both first-aid information and Red Cross shelter locations.   

During A Tornado

• Have Your Child Stay at School. According to NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, your child is safer at school than he would be traveling home early by foot, car or bus. If the tornado sirens are sounding, parents should wait until the danger has passed to pick up their children. School staff members are trained to follow specific procedures designed to keep the students safe. Children will be taken to a safe place, such as a basement, to wait out the storm. Students with special needs will be accommodated, as well. If children are riding on a bus when a tornado siren goes off, bus drivers will be instructed where to go and when they can safely deliver the children to their homes.
• For Families at home:
• Go to a basement, underground shelter or safe room.  If these aren’t available, use a small, windowless interior room (such as a bathroom), hallway or closet on the lowest floor.  
• If you can, crawl under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
• If you’re in a mobile home, go to basement, sturdy building or shelter, if possible. 
• If you are outdoors and cannot quickly walk to a shelter:
• Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. 
• If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park.  The following are considered last-resort options:
• 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. 
• Remaining in your car or seeking shelter in a depression or ditch are last-resort options that provide little protection. The safest place to be is in an underground shelter, basement or safe room. 

After a Tornado

• Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
• Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them to the utility company immediately. 
• Stay out of damaged buildings. 
• Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive. 
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls. 
• If your community experiences a tornado or other disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website to let your family and friends know your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family, or click on the I'm Safe button on any of your Red Cross apps. You can even share that you're safe with your social networks.

To learn more about how you can prepare your family for tornadoes or to learn more about the Red Cross, visit us online at redcross.org. 

Tweet

Remember, Connect & Give: The April 3 DFW Tornado Outbreak, One Year Later

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross

April 3 DFW Tornado Outbreak
Infographic: Click to enlarge

One year ago today, the Metroplex got a scary reminder of what it means to live in tornado alley. Multiple tornadoes touched down, causing large-scale damage in Lancaster, Forney, Arlington and other areas. While miraculously, there were no fatalities, more than 1,000 homes were damaged and the American Red Cross was there to respond.

“That was my first disaster. I had only been with the Red Cross for three months when those things hit,” recalled T.D. Smyers, Regional CEO for the North Texas Region. Wanting to see for himself how his new organization operated during disasters, he went to Lancaster with the Red Cross disaster response team.

“I got to see up close and personal the devastation Mother Nature had on the community. People started coming out of their homes, looking at all the damage, and then I saw a beacon of hope coming up the street. It was a Red Cross feeding truck. Everyone was so glad to see our volunteers providing meals for everyone from the side window. It was a privilege to witness our mission in action.”

Remember

 

Looking back at the disaster a full year later, it’s sometimes hard to remember that some families are still recovering. Hundreds of homes were completely destroyed, and hundreds more damaged. In the immediate aftermath, many families stayed at Red Cross shelters while the clean-up process began.

T.D. Smyers visited a shelter in Lancaster and was struck by the reaction of the residents coming in. 

“When the tornadoes struck, most people were caught completely unprepared. People whose homes were hit were in despair, with nowhere to turn because they never thought about where they would stay or what they would do in a situation like this,” he explained. “To see them show up at the shelter and be greeted by Red Cross staff, who showed the face of friendliness and professionalism, saying ‘we’ve got you covered’—that was such a relief to those people. Seeing the impact that my organization had in real human lives was extremely gratifying. I carry it with me to this day.”

In total, the Red Cross served nearly 41,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 6,100 relief items, provided nearly 200 mental health consultations and opened four shelters while responding to the tornadoes. Some 600 Red Cross relief workers were involved in the relief effort with 90% of them being volunteers. 

“As we commemorate this anniversary date, I’d like to ask other to join me in remembering the families who are still in recovery,” said Smyers. “And remember how the Red Cross responded to the needs in our own community instantly. That’s what your support allows us to do.”

Connect

Whenever there is a disaster like this, we are always thinking about how we can make the community better prepared in the future. One way to be prepared is to connect with us via our social networks, where we are constantly working to post the most up-to-date information about what’s happening in our community—whether that’s preparedness tips when the sky is blue, weather alerts as they happen and shelter and food service locations afterward.

“We’re proud of our social media presence,” said T.D. “I think it’s a vital part of our communications. It’s really the way to stay updated on the latest information we have.”

You can connect with us on our Facebook page and on Twitter @redcrossdfw.

Another easy way to stay prepared is to download our mobile apps, which are designed to put Red Cross tools and information directly in your hands. Here in tornado alley, the Tornado app, which sounds a siren when a tornado warning is in your area, can actually save your life by warning you of danger when you might not be monitoring the weather. In a situation like last year’s tornadoes, which occurred in the middle of the day while many people were at work and not watching the weather, it can make a world of difference.

All Red Cross apps are free and available now for iOS and Android devices. Find download links here.

“We know that people who were connected to our social feeds a year ago were able to learn what was happening around them and alert others,” T.D. reflected. “Those connections helped to save lives and with our new series of apps, it’s going to be even easier to get lifesaving information into people’s hands when they truly need it.”

Give

As we remember the destruction that our community experienced last year, we continue to look to you to help us be ready to respond when the next time disaster strikes. Last year, we ran low on clean-up supplies, leading to a delay in getting supplies out to people as they tried to clean up the wreckage. This year, we’re trying to build up our storm supply inventory, so we’ll have enough ready to provide the next time they are needed.

“The Dallas/Fort Worth area is among the most disaster-prone regions in the United States. We’re in tornado season and we’ve depleted some of our supplies that we need to be on the shelf and ready to go at a moment’s notice,” explains T.D. “People are always saying they want to help and they’re always very generous with wanting to donate so we’ve put together a list of items we’re needing and hoping that our supporters can help us out.” 

Please donate to our Storm Supplies drive all this week at DFW Red Cross locations. See details here.

As always, we are also looking for your help however you can give—donating, giving blood or volunteering. Learn how you can help at RedCross.org/DFW.

Tweet

From the DFW Food Truck Foodie Blog: Tornado App Warns Food Truck Owners and Customers of Severe Weather

This post is re-posted from our friends at DFW Food Truck Foodie. The DFW food truck community have always been wonderful supporters of the Red Cross and we're glad our new app can make a difference with this unique group. Stay safe out there, foodies & food truckers! 

Red Cross App Warns Food Truck Owners and Customers of Severe Weather

Severe weather can happen within minutes, with little to no warning. When the severe storms that are common in Texas strike, the last place most people want to be is in or near a food truck.  In Spring of 2012, there were several times when trucks were out and storms popped up quickly. In one storm, several trucks sustained significant hail damage. On April 3, when at least a dozen tornadoes hit the Metroplex, I heard several stories of food trucks being out serving lunch and the owners not knowing that tornadoes were in the immediate area. One truck owner was traveling for business and the truck was being manned by employees. The first the owner knew of the danger was when he received a text from a family member asking if the truck was secure. The next few hours were chaotic as the owner tried to contact the employees and instruct them on how to secure the truck while keeping themselves safe since there was not time to get to their commissary.

Recognizing that many food truck owners,  their employees, and often times the customers may not have warning of impending storms, the Red Cross asked me to join with them to share information about their new smart phone app that tracks and warns about impending severe weather in the area. 

The free app, available in both English and Spanish, sends real time information about tornado activity in the area to iPhone, iPad and Android devices.  In addition to a high pitched alert warning, the app transmits an "All Clear" when the warning has expired.

Other features in the app include:

• Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts;
• Enhanced weather maps;
• One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends that they are out of harm’s way;
• Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members;
• Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
• Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm;
• Locations of open Red Cross shelters; and
• Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

I have been taking the quizzes and reviewing the checklists over the last few days. The App is full of information, some of which is new and some of which is a good reminder as we go in to the most volatile season of the year.

The Tornado App, along with other apps created by the American Red Cross, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.

The App monitors based on zip codes in both the US and Canada with the ability to monitor multiple locations simultaneously. I have set both my location and my out of town family's location for monitoring. I expect this App to be very beneficial to those working on food trucks, and their customers, who otherwise may not know how the weather is changing while they are serving; go download it now! 

Stay safe everyone! 

Tweet

Tornadoes Not Behind Us: Hurricanes Ahead

by Anita Foster, Communications Officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region

On the heels of a widespread tornado outbreak that left thousands of people without a place to live, and just a little under a month from the official start of Hurricane Season 2012, the American Red Cross is appealing for new volunteers to join the organization in advance of the next storm.

Red Cross volunteer, Dan Halyburton, assures a Forney
storm victim that help is available.  

            On Saturday, May 5, between 1:00p.m. and 5:00p.m., the American Red Cross will swing open the doors at their Dallas and Fort Worth offices and invite new potential volunteers to come learn how the organization responds to events like the April tornado outbreak.

            During the tornadoes, the American Red Cross operated four shelters, served more than 40,000 meals and snacks, handed out some 6,000 clean-up items like tarps, shovels and rakes and helped nearly 500 people with their health and mental health needs. All of this work was done by 328 Red Cross workers; 85% of which were volunteers.

            “When disasters such as the tornadoes strike, people want to get involved with the Red Cross right then,” said T.D. Smyers, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “What we really want folks to do is to train when the sky is blue so that when the time comes, you’ve got the training, we know your skill-set and we can put you to work right away.”

            Smyers goes on to say that the Open Houses this weekend are the ideal opportunity to come meet the Red Cross and find out where you fit in.

            

“There’s a place for everyone at the Red Cross. Just to name a few jobs: you can run a forklift, drive a feeding truck, attend telethons or work directly with families. It takes a lot of volunteers to respond to large disasters. We saw that with the April tornadoes. And hurricane season is just a month away.”

            The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex serves as the primary evacuation site for storms that hit the Houston/Galveston area. In 2008, the American Red Cross sheltered more than 5,000 people when Hurricane Ike barreled across the area. In 2005, just over 28,000 evacuees from New Orleans and South Texas sheltered in DFW. The Reunion Arena shelter, staffed 24/7 by volunteers, was open for a record-breaking 41 consecutive days.

           

Join Us on Saturday, May 5, 2012 between 1:00p.m. and 5:00p.m. at either location: 

American Red Cross
4800 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas
--or--
American Red Cross
1515 S. Sylvania Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas

No RSVP needed...just stop by when you can! If you’re unable to stop by on Saturday, but still want to volunteer, click on www.redcross.org to find your local American Red Cross chapter. 

Tweet

Alabama: One Year Later

Written by Anita Foster, chief communications officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region


One year ago today, I was enjoying a lovely dinner at Dallas' famed "Celebration Restaurant" with my colleague, Vicki Eichstaedt, from the Red Cross in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We had spent the previous two weeks working on the Texas Wildfires out near Possum Kingdom Lake and having finished that operation, we made our way back to Dallas for a good meal before Vicki caught a flight back to Michigan. But then the phone rang and we knew that the lives of thousands of people, and ours, would never be the same.


On the other end of that phone call was our team from national headquarters reporting that a massive tornado outbreak was underway across the south. All we knew at the time was that the tornadoes were huge, they were on the ground in multiple locations and the University of Alabama was directly in the path. We did not know if our colleagues in Alabama were safe. 


Moving the bread basket to the side, we made a work station at our table and took copious notes about what was known and then we made our travel plans to get to Alabama first thing in the morning. 


When we arrived, we were surrounded by the costliest outbreak that the Unites States has seen. And one of the costliest natural disasters in the country’s history.


One year later, I still think about the people of Alabama. Their losses were impossible to comprehend.
But it's important to take a look at this outbreak as a looming warning of what Mother Nature can unleash. 


We shot this video from Phil Campbell and Hackleburg, Alabama last year. I said in the beginning that I just didn't have words to describe what we were seeing then. I would say the same today. There simply aren't words that can explain what these precious people experienced on this terrible day one year ago. Let's take a look back:



In the aftermath of the storms, the Red Cross provided nearly 8,000 overnight shelter stays, served more than 1.4 million meals and snacks, and distributed nearly 27,000 cleanup kits and approximately 40,000 comfort kits. More than 10,000 homes sustained damage. 


Having just gone through a widespread outbreak right here in the DFW area, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we count our blessings. While property was lost in the April 3, 2012 Metroplex outbreak, lives were not. That was not the case in Alabama so in memory of this significant day in history, I ask you to do two things today. 


1.) Keep the people of Alabama in your heart. Hundreds of families are experiencing the first anniversary of the deaths of their loved ones. 


2.) Prepare yourself and your family for the next round of storms by building your disaster kit. It can save your life.


When our phones ring at the Red Cross, we simply never know what we'll face on the other side. In the case of Alabama, it was truly one of the most chilling phone calls, followed by one of the most heartbreaking disaster scenes I've ever witnessed. But in true American spirit, the love and compassion from the people of Alabama and beyond created hope for everyone else. 


Blessings to the people of Alabama. 

Tweet

Red Cross Races to Woodward, Oklahoma

Just hours after a tornado roared through Woodward, Oklahoma, the American Red Cross established a safe shelter for the displaced residents. When the sun came up, it shined brightly on how much the families in this community have lost. Dan Halyburton, a volunteer from North Texas, made his way to Oklahoma immediately to help out. This video is a birds-eye view of what Dan has seen across the area.

To help the families down the street, across the nation and around the globe who are affected by disasters like this, click on www.redcross.org, text REDCROSS to 90999 or call 800-RED-CROSS. We thank you.

Tweet

One Week Later: A Message of Gratitude

Written by Kyla Campbell

The American Red Cross stands shoulder to shoulder with victims after disaster, whether it's down the street, around the country or across the world.

And this last week, disaster has been down Forney's streets, down Arlington's streets and down Lancaster's streets leaving multiple city's to recover, multiple neighborhoods stunned and one Red Cross to respond.

Listen to our CEO, T.D. Smyers, as he expresses his gratitude for service to everyone who has helped spread our message, volunteer, and give selflessly of time and resources over the last 7 days.

Tweet

Piper's New Parents: Caring for the Littlest of Victims

Photo Credit: Ken Riel/American Red Cross
Written by Kyla Campbell

There are moments after each disaster that, as a responder, will stay with you forever.

Today was filled with these moments as we went through Arlington, Texas visiting with kids and finding new parents for a small, stuffed animal named Piper.

Meet Paul, Hannah and Alonzo, today's new parents to Piper the Puppy. 

Paul, 16 months old, may not know what a tornado is but he knows that mom and dad were really nervous. As a result of the storms, he is anxious now too unless he is in his mom's arms. Now he has someone in addition to his mom to cling to, Piper.

Hannah, a 5-year-old, was needing a new friend, according to her mom. When Piper was brought off the truck and placed in Hannah's arms, we knew it was a perfect match. Hannah was home with mom when the tornado hit near Arlington, Texas. "She was super brave and huddled in the tub," said mom. "Now she is a little withdrawn." Mom was certain Piper would help ease the anxiety. We know this Piper was made just for her!

Alonzo was also home with his grandmother when the tornado ripped apart his home. When they approached the Red Cross truck for something to eat and drink today, they didn't know he would leave with a new friend. Piper is certain to feel right at home in his arms tonight.

Each Piper the Puppy delivered today was because someone in our community chose to care about children during disasters.

Piper the Puppy is a program where a Piper becomes a new best friend to a child after disaster rocks their world. After a $100 donation, your name is written on Piper's paw and he is loaded on the truck. Your monetary contribution helps care for the immediate needs of families, while Piper cares for the needs of the littlest victims of disaster.

This stuffed animal is more than button eyes, batting and fuzzy material.

This stuffed animal is love. He is hope during a terrible time. He is a friend to tell fears to. He is a constant, in the face of all the change.

He is Piper the Puppy and he is home tonight.

Tweet