Tips for Dealing with Texas Weather Fatigue

by Carl Manning, Red Cross contributor

The endless images of flooded homes and tornado destruction coupled with repeated warnings of what seems like potential doom and gloom can cause people to feel like the world is closing in and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Recent social media posts in Texas bear witness to a mounting stress among those who have watched the string of severe weather go from days to weeks with no immediate end in sight.

Seriously can't stand this damn Texas weather right now!!!and I officially hate rain now!!!

— Jay Pati (@SamoanSavage37) May 15, 2015

Such reaction to stressful situations are normal, even if you haven’t suffered any personal loss, said Jerry Montgomery, who’s overseeing the Red Cross disaster mental health counselors in Texas. “Stress is stress.  Just because you haven’t  lost your home doesn’t mean you’re not experiencing a lot of stress,” the Michigan City, Ind. volunteer said.

Approximately 45 tornadoes of various strengths have hit Texas in the last month. I am really tired of violent weather here now.

— Melissa Patterson (@melissap5405) May 21, 2015

Often people under stress feel physically and mentally drained, get frustrated more quickly and more often.

Ughh.. I'm tired of this bipolar weather.. #Texas #rain #flood #thunderstorm #tornado

— アニメ 悪魔人 (@Anime73199) May 24, 2015

  
   
But there are some things people can do to cope with events over which they have no control.

For instance, during stressful times it’s important to eat properly and maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and get some rest.

Staying connected with friends and family is important because getting support reduces that feeling of being alone.

Another tip is to be patient with those around you and recognize that everyone is stressed and may need time to put their feelings and thoughts in order.

Remain positive and remember having successfully gone through other tough times and reach out when support is needed and help others when they need it.

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"I'm Glad I Went Out for Ice Cream": A Personal Story of Survival from Van, Texas

From Anita Foster, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Chase Scruggs stands in the area where his Mom's house used to sit.

As the sun came up over Van, Texas this morning, there wasn't much doubt that the small town east of Dallas would never be the same. Tornado sirens wailed in the late night hours as residents did their best to get to safe rooms and cover up. Chase Scruggs said his late night craving for ice cream saved his life.

"I went out with my fiance and our daughter to get some ice cream when I heard the sirens," said Scruggs. "I knew right away that we needed to get to
shelter." While calling his Mom to tell her to get into the hallway, he sped with his young family to his mother's house on Bois d' Arc. Seconds after they dove into the hallway with the rest of the family, the tornado literally picked up their entire house and moved it from its foundation.

"We threw blankets over my daughter and my younger brothers while Dad and I tried to hold the doors closed," Scruggs reflected. "We barely made it to the hallway in time."

Scruggs was donned in heavy work gloves and boots to begin the daunting task of cleaning up what was left of his Mom's house. Meanwhile, Scruggs had yet to make the short trip across town to check on his own home, also in a hard-hit area of Van.

"I'll get to my house shortly. For now, it's most important to focus on those who have lost everything."  

The Red Cross will help Mr. Scruggs and all of the families affected by the Mother's Day storms. To help the Red Cross, click on www.redcross.org to make a financial gift. For updates on Red Cross responses across the area, follow us on Twitter @RedCrossDFW.

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Red Cross Services Available: Johnson & Erath Counties

This message from Anita Foster, American Red Cross North Texas Region:

Following damaging storms that tore across the state of Texas on April 26, the American Red Cross has been working around the clock to help families with their recovery. In total, some 600 homes were hit by the storms. Of those, 60 sustained major damage or were destroyed. Since the storms ended, the Red Cross has provided bottled water, meals and snacks, along with clean-up supplies, mainly tarps to cover damaged rooftops, to affected neighborhoods. Today, the Red Cross is opening two additional locations for families to visit if they need assistance:

Dublin – Resource Center

213 E. Blackjack St.

Dublin, TX 76446

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Rio Vista – Resource Center

102 E. Depot St.

Rio Vista, TX 76093

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

These centers will remain open until May 2. Families who can’t easily make it to the Rio Vista or Dublin locations are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or (800) 733 2766.

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Severe Weather in Texas—How to Prepare

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor 

An old neighbor of mine—our houses three miles northeast of downtown Forth Worth—recounts the March 28, 2000 Fort Worth Tornado. She says, “The air was so still and the sky was green. It was quiet. Eerily quiet at first. A few pieces of paper were flying around the street. Then I heard it. We went inside and took shelter. After it was over, there was paper everywhere, covering the yard like there had been a heavy snowfall. Yeah, it was scary. Terrifying, really.”

Ten tornadoes hit North Texas that night. The Fort Worth Tornado ripped through neighborhoods in River Oaks, Camp Bowie and West 7th and then right through downtown. The Cash America Building, the Calvary Cathedral and the Bank One Building all sustained damaged. The Bank One building lost 3,000 windows. Two people died while trying to seek shelter. Eighty others were injured.

Though it doesn’t feel like it with winter making its last—and late—hoorah in North Texas, March 1 marked the start of meteorological spring. We face three months of the most unpredictable and possibly the most devastating weather of the year. In fact, long-range forecasts predict that March and April in Texas will be rainier and stormier than normal. Paul Patelok, who is a lead long-range forecaster at AccuWeather.com says, “I think we’re going to have a lot more tornadoes for the spring season compared to the last couple of years…”

In Texas, we don’t worry about just tornadoes, but also severe lighting, thunder and hail storms that can cause significant damage and even death. Time to get you and your family prepared for the upcoming spring storms.

Hail
Hailstorms happen when a thunderstorm produces hail 5 millimeters in diameter—a dime is twice that size—or larger. Texas sits in the “Hail Belt,” an area that experiences the worst hailstorms in the country. In 1995, a horrible hailstorm hit Fort Worth’s May Fest, causing $2 million dollars in damage and injuring 100 people. In March 2000, a softball-sized hailstone hit a 19-year-old man from Lake Worth, Texas, killing him

Preparing for Hailstorms
There is not much you can do to prepare for hailstorms, besides keeping your vehicle in the garage all season and walking around wearing a football helmet, but when hail hits, go inside and remain inside until the hailstorm is over. If you are outside, seek shelter under a picnic pavilion, gazebo or sturdy awning or inside a store, bathroom or other structure. Once inside, close the blinds and curtains to protect yourself from breaking glass. If you are in your car, pull over and turn away from the windshield, while covering yourself with a blanket or coat.

Flooding
There are two main types of floods—overland floods and flash floods. In North Texas, our greatest risk is flash flooding. A flash flood occurs when the city’s drainage system cannot drain heavy rains fast enough. Floods happen quickly and are hard to predict. They are the cause of the most weather-related deaths in America—mostly due to people believing floodwaters are passable. Remember—Turn Around! Don’t Drown! It only takes 18 inches of water to float away a regular sedan-sized car.

Preparing for a Flood
Floods have the potential to contaminate city water supplies, so store enough drinking water for drinking and personal hygiene. The absolute minimum requirement is one gallon of water per person per day. A flood has the possibility to force you to evacuate your home. Download the Red Cross Flood app for flood alerts and to locate your nearest shelter. (http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps/flood)

Lightning
Lightning is the electrostatic discharge from the electrically charged area between a cloud and the surface of the Earth and occurs in all thunderstorms. On average, lightning kills 300 Americans a year.

Preparing for a Lightning Storm
When you hear thunder or see lightning, go inside or seek shelter in a concrete building or structure. If you are camping, hiking or otherwise far from shelter, crouch down—don’t lay down—wrap your arms around your knees and keep your head down. For more on what do during a lightning storm, read “The Importance of Practicing Lightning Safety.” (http://redcrossdallas.blogspot.com/2014/06/lightning-safety.html)

Thunderstorms
There are four types of thunderstorms, classified by their severity. North Texas experiences all of them. We are mostly concerned with multi-cell cluster, multi-cell line and supercell thunderstorms—all of which have the ability to produce tornadoes. Prepare for a severe thunderstorm, the same way you a tornado.

Tornadoes
A tornado forms when updrafts of warm, humid air create a high-speed whirlwind. This rotating whirlwind or rotating cloud then forms a tornado when it reaches the ground. The United States experiences an average 1,200 tornadoes a year, with May through June being the peak time. Oddly, even though tornadoes can occur any time of the day, they most likely happen between 3 and 9 pm.

Preparing for Tornadoes and Thunderstorms
The first thing you need to know is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A Tornado watch is when conditions are suitable to produce a tornado. A warning means a tornado has been confirmed in your area. If your area is under a tornado warning, it is time to put your family emergency plan in place immediately.

If you are away from a radio or newscast, know the signs of a tornado. You might see clouds moving towards each other or rotating, flying debris, a green or green-black sky, hail, wall cloud or hear the sound like a freight train. When you see any of those signs, seek shelter right away.
To prepare for a severe thunderstorm or tornado establish a “safe room” in your home. If you live in a mobile home—no room inside is safe. For those who live in mobile homes, you should seek shelter elsewhere or build an underground storm shelter outside the home.

Your safe room should be an interior room without windows on the lowest floor, and as far away from outside walls as possible. This could be a closet, bathroom or even the room under your stairs. Many apartments and smaller homes have no rooms that have only interior walls. Some experts believe that bathrooms, due to the pipes surrounding it have added protection—possibly more so than a closet. If your bathroom is the only safe room in the house, when there is a threat of tornado, get into the bathroom, and cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets.

FEMA suggests the room you pick should have enough room for everyone in the family to stand comfortably for two hours. Be sure to accommodate any elderly or disabled family members. If you care for someone with special needs, put a chair in your safe room.

You need to stock your safe room with essential and emergency supplies:

• Bottled water
• Necessary and emergency medications—inhalers, oxygen, aspirin, insulin, EpiPen, etc.
• Helmets for children
• Sturdy shoes for every family member
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Emergency weather alert radio
• Cell phone
• Signaling device, such as a whistle
• Fire extinguisher
• Work gloves
• Batteries
• Babies’ needs such as formula and diapers

The American Red Cross has readiness items such as signal whistles, flashlights and disasters kits ranging from the basics to a four-person, three-day survival kit.

If you are on the road or far from a sturdy structure, do not pull over and hide under an overpass. This is a myth! Experts agree that an overpass is actually one of the most unsafe places to seek shelter during a tornado. Instead, pull over, get in a low-lying area like a ditch, and cover your head. If you absolutely have no other choice but to stay in the car, keep your seat belt on, roll up all the windows, bend down as far as you can below the windows and cover your head with a blanket or any other material you have.

For all the information on tornado preparedness, download the Red Cross tornado warning app.

We want to hear from you! Share your storm stories in the comment section below.

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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!

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Lessons in Severe Weather Planning

by Kristen Kerr, volunteer contributor

It's National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, so it's a great time to be thinking about what you should be doing to prepare for bad weather. In fact, that was the point of our big multi-state disaster drill this weekend: to prepare when the sky is blue for when it isn't.

As a native Texan (born and raised), I have been through the tornadoes, droughts, floods, severe thunderstorms, wildfires and heat waves. Over the years, I learned a thing or two about how to prepare not only myself, but also my family, for severe weather. 

During the tornadoes that ripped through Fort Worth in 2000, I was home by myself. I was about 11 years old and I was trying to stay safe (and alive). I had my dad’s weather radio turned on and since it runs on batteries, it was perfect, because if the electricity went out, it would still function. The radio kept me informed on the storm’s progress. Later, I went into our downstairs closet and made sure it was clear of anything heavy or harmful that could hurt me during the storm. I also took a blanket and flashlight with me so that I could stay warm and see (just in case we lost electricity). 

That was really all that I knew how to do at the time since I was just a child, and shortly after that, my parents bought me a cell phone in case of emergencies like that one. 

Prepare an emergency kit in case of severe weather.
Or, you can get one from RedCrossStore.org!

Since then, I began an internship with the American Red Cross, and I have learned quite a bit more in regards to staying safe during severe weather. 

In fact, there is a 3-step plan that everyone should put into action when severe weather threatens:

1. Get a kit. A kit can be as simple as a plastic tub. The kit should contain bottled water, canned foods, cereal bars, flashlights, batteries, weather radios, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, medicine and copies of important documents.
2. Make a plan. It is important to have a plan of action prepared because when any severe weather warning is issued it is easy to get overwhelmed, scared and confused. If you have a plan, all you need to do is follow it. You don’t need to worry about trying to think of where to go and how to get there. It’s already done!
3. Be prepared. It’s a great idea to have your kit pre-made and stored somewhere with easy accessibility. Also do a trial run if your action plan with your family, so that when you severe weather hits, you know what to do!

When I was a little girl, being alone during the tornadoes felt like a bad dream because I didn’t know what was going on outside and how bad it really was! However, in today’s ever changing technological world, it no longer has to feel that way! I was excited to learn that the American Red Cross has launched their new tornado app that includes a high-pitched siren and alerts for when a tornado warning has been issued in your area and later signals an “all clear” alert so that users know when a warning has expired or been cancelled. I know if this app would have been around during the 2000 tornadoes, I would have felt a lot safer and smarter! 

You can feel safer and smarter too. Download the new app for free at RedCross.org. Stay safe this spring season!

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Highlights From Our 2013 Multi-State Disaster Drill

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross
Our big multi-state disaster drill last weekend was a big success! More than 700 Red Cross volunteers in more than 40 chapters across Texas and Oklahoma participated in the exercise, designed to test volunteers on their ability to respond to a simulated tornado outbreak. It's also National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, so the readiness exercise was especially appropriate.

Volunteers were not only conducted disaster assessment of property damage, but also encountered residents who were panicked, angry or even hurt and bleeding. For example, one scenario involved a man who had cut himself severely while moving debris (see the video above). Volunteers performed first aid on the scene and called for an ambulance. Don't worry--the residents were all actors, helping with our simulation. 

Our amazing volunteer photographers from all over the two states sent in images from the drill. Check them out here:

Thanks again to all of our wonderful volunteers and staffers who helped make our drill such a big success by getting us more prepared for when a real disaster strikes!

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Watching for Tornados: Knowing the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning

by Brenda Lepenski, volunteer contributor 

The TV control is in your hands. Flip. Flip. Flip. As you continue, there is weather graphic and some text at the bottom of every channel. At first, you see it as a nuisance. 

Then you stop to read the graphic.

Tornado watch until 6 p.m.  

Wait. What exactly is a tornado watch?

A tornado watch means that weather conditions could lead to the creation of tornadoes. 

During a watch, it is appropriate to keep a close eye and ear on weather reports. A battery powered radio and a flashlight are useful tools to locate during a watch so they're handy if electrical power is abruptly interrupted.

On the other hand, a tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted by trained spotters or on radar, and it is important to take precautions to stay safe.

During a tornado warning, the American Red Cross suggests that you stay away from rooms with windows. Head to the most interior part of your home, putting as many walls in between you and the outdoors as possible.

To protect yourself from possible flying debris, curl up in a ball with your hands protecting your head. 

If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby sturdy building where you can seek shelter. 

However, you might not always be in the comfort of your home. If you are driving or outside seek shelter immediately. If there is no shelter in sight, you can take the following precautions:

• 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. Now you have the following options as a last resort:
• Stay in your vehicle with your 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.

Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.
  For more information on how to prepare for a tornado, visit redcross.org and don't forget to download our free Tornado app to be alerted when there's a tornado warning in your area! 

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Ready, Set, DRILL! Red Crossers in 40 Texas & Oklahoma Chapters Get Ready for Multi-State Disaster Drill This Saturday

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross

Red Crossers across Texas & Oklahoma will
hit the streets in a simulated disaster drill
this weekend

They say practice makes perfect, which is why this weekend, more than 700 volunteers in more than 40 Red Cross chapters across Texas & Oklahoma will be teaming up for our first-ever multi-state disaster drill. In this exercise, volunteers will hit the streets to perform disaster assessment in a simulated devastating tornado outbreak.

In each of the participating chapters, volunteers will be deployed to pre-selected neighborhoods, where they will find a visual of a home that has been impacted. They will have to determine the type of damage and then relay that information back to Red Cross. 

In a real disaster, getting an accurate assessment of impacted homes as quickly as possible is crucial to the disaster relief process. It directs us on everything from how many meals need to be prepared to how many shovels we need to have on hand.

In the Dallas area, volunteers will report to the American Red Cross, 4800 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas Texas 75235 at 8:15a.m. on Saturday, March 2, participate in a briefing, and then hit the neighborhoods by 9:30a.m. The drill is expected to last until noon, followed by an after-action review from 12:00p.m-2:00p.m. 

In North Texas, wildfires, severe storms, tornados and other disasters are certainly common occurrences. That’s why drills like these are so important: so we can be prepared to help when we’re needed the most.

For information on becoming a trained Red Cross volunteer, go to RedCross.org/DFW. To follow the drill in real-time, follow @RedCrossDFW on Twitter and use hashtag #txokdrill

Here's a map of all of our participating chapters (click to view larger):

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The American Red Cross North Texas Region Salutes our Tornado Relief Supporters

written by Lilly Watson, staff contributor

Relief kits from Target are loaded onto Red Cross Emergency Relief Vehicles to be distributed in tornado-damaged areas.
Photo credit: Lilly Watson/American Red Cross





On Tuesday, April 3, 2012, a total of 17 tornadoes touched down in the Metroplex. This incredible storm brought people together across our widespread region, as we saw homes as far west as Johnson County destroyed and similar damage on the very eastern side of the DFW area in Forney, TX. Families in these areas were now facing trials similar to people in cities such as Lancaster and Arlington, who were now sorting through the remains of their homes for anything that might be left for them to take into the next chapter of their lives. The Red Cross was there, opening shelters the very night of the storm and serving over 9,000 meals and 31,000 snacks and beverages to victims and relief workers throughout the early stages of our operation. The Red Cross was able to serve this diverse group of people through the equally diverse contributions and donations from our corporate partners.

The companies and organizations below reached out to the Red Cross and gave us support through financial and in-kind donations so we could in turn bolster our community in this trying time. The Red Cross salutes these companies for believing in our work and being there for us so we can be there for DFW.

7-Eleven, Inc.

Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

Blue Bell Creameries, L.P.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

BNSF

Capital One Financial Corporation

CBS-DFW, Channel 11

Costco Wholesale Corporation

CVS Caremark Corporation

Dallas Mavericks

Days Inn Denton

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group

Nexen Inc.

Duke Realty

Fabricon

Ford Motor Company

Frito-Lay North America

Granite Construction Inc.

H-E-B Central Market

The Home Depot

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Kimberly-Clark

The Kroger Co.

Lockheed Martin

Mary Kay

The Meadows Foundation

Northrop Grumman Corporation

PepsiCo

Pier 1 Imports

RaceTrac

RadioShack

Ridgmar Mall

Sabre Holdings

Tom Thumb

Southwest Airlines

Stacey Furniture

Target Corporation

Texas Instruments

Texas Rangers Baseball Club

Tide

TPG Capital, Inc.

USAA Foundation

Vandergriff Honda

Wells Fargo & Company

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Lancaster Victims Celebrate Easter with Hope

Written by Tonya Solis-Mosby

People who lost their homes this week from a tornado that ripped through a section of a Lancaster, Texas neighborhood were thrust in the arms of destruction and devastation. Many sought shelter with the American Red Cross, while others sought refuge with family or friends.

But as the week turned into the weekend, thoughts of today being a holiday came to the forefront of the victims' minds.

“We have too much to be thankful for,” said Clyde Lee, who lived in the Portofino Apartments before the storm. “We are going to church. We wouldn’t miss it.”

Mr. Lee and his wife, Betty, made a second visit to the Lancaster HS Field House, currently serving as the Recovery Center, on Saturday to take part in the services offered by the Red Cross and other non-profit organizations who have partnered to bring relief services under one roof for those in need.  The Lees first visit on Friday, the first day of the Recovery Center, was for necessities such as food and clothing. Their return visit was to seek assistance with insulin for Mr. Lee to replace that which was left in their apartment.

“It’s going to be much like we usually do,” he said with Mrs. Lee smiling and nodding in agreement. “We are thankful that we are OK and that we had a place to go. So, today, we are going to church.”

The sentiment of showing thanks by going to church was echoed by Tiesha Wiley, who also visited the assistance center Saturday.

“It’s going to be life as normal,” Ms. Wiley said adding that she also lives at Portofino Apartments. She said she had visited her apartment only hours before coming to the assistance center. Damage to her apartment was limited to a leaking ceiling and some water damage.

“I have three young children,” she said while receiving donated Easter baskets, one of which was handed to Ms. Wiley’s 6-year-old daughter who scooped it up with excitement. “We are thankful for everything. So, we are going to church.”

Easter baskets are gathered as workers in the background prepare to meet residents.

Ms. Wiley said among the things for which she is thankful is the American Red Cross. 

“The response was urgent,” she said. “They were immediately here and they’ve been here the whole time. They opened the shelter quickly and it was very convenient.”

“Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for,” Ms. Wiley’s neighbor Toya Jeffery added. “I’m going to church, too. It’s Easter.”

Lancaster residents and the residents in the other North Texas cities affected by the multiple tornadoes that swept through the area are receiving help now, and they will continue to need help for community partners. The American Red Cross stands beside partner organizations during disaster all across the country to provide for the immediate needs after disasters. 

If you wish to help during a disaster you can help by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross. There are several ways to do it. Among them, you can call 1-800-REDCROSS, visit redcross.org or you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999. The text donation of $10 will be automatically applied to your phone bill.

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Things to Do When the Sky is Blue—Preparing for When Disaster Strikes

by Lilly Watson, American Red Cross contributor
Already this year, many of our fellow Americans lost their lives, their loved ones or their homes and belongings in severe storms and tornadoes. In early March alone, the Red Cross relief efforts stretched across 11 states where 22 shelters opened comforting friends and neighbors.

Those of us at home watched and asked, "How are these communities so resilient?" And also, "What would I do if this happened to me?"

There is no way to keep a tornado from arriving in your neighborhood with little notice, but you can prepare your home and family should you ever find yourself in the face of severe weather.

The video below reviews some of the most important things to remember in the eye of the storm.

You know when you are preparing to fly and the attendant tells says you must secure your mask before helping others? Well, helping in disasters is exactly the same. Your emergency preparedness kit and plan for your family comes first, then you can turn to your neighbor to help them put on their "mask."

The best time to prepare for an emergency is when one isn't happening. On top of viewing the video above, download these free tips from the American Red Cross so that you and your family will be ready when the time comes. Be safe everyone! http://rdcrss.org/eekGXz

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Storms Roll In: We Roll Out

Just moments after the groundhog saw his shadow, Mother Nature is stirring up severe weather across the south and it could impact North Texas today and tomorrow with high winds, heavy rain and possible tornado touchdowns. It's important that we all do our best to prepare in advance of any severe weather. Here are a few tips that might help. Please pass these on and alert your friends and family to keep an eye to the sky today and tomorrow!

 Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado or straight-line windstorm. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.

 If you live in a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. Mobile homes are much more vulnerable to strong winds than site-built structures. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your family's safe place.


 If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately. Find a sturdy nearby structure and take shelter. If there is no building nearby, go to a low-lying area until the storm passes. Taking cover under bridges is not recommended.


 Check the supplies in your disaster kit to ensure that you have working flashlights with plenty of batteries. Candles are not recommended for emergency lighting.


Stay safe everyone!

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Severe Weather Coming! Prep Now!

Once again, the chance for severe thunderstorms containing high winds, damaging hail and isolated tornadoes is possible across North Texas. The time to prepare is now. The American Red Cross offers the following tips to keep families safe:

• Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado or straight-line windstorm. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.
  


• Check with your employer to determine where to seek shelter during the workday. Make sure your employer has a battery operated radio or a weather radio and essential supplies in the company safe room(s).



• If you live in a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. Mobile homes are much more vulnerable to strong winds than site-built structures. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your family's safe place.



• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately. Find a sturdy nearby structure and take shelter. If there is no building nearby, go to a low-lying area until the storm passes. Taking cover under bridges is not recommended.



• If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Center hallways are often structurally the most reinforced part of a building.



• Check with your children's schools and day care centers to learn tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency. Do NOT drive to your child’s school or day care center during a severe storm outbreak.



• Conduct periodic tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching. Practice having everyone in the family go to your designated area in response to a tornado threat. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking time during an actual emergency situation.



• Discuss tornadoes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during a tornado.



• BE RED CROSS READY. Follow 3 Action Steps for Preparedness—Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed. A free online education module is available at www.redcross.org/BeRedCRossReady to guide users through the three preparedness steps. The ten minute presentation, available in English and Spanish, includes a downloadable disaster supply kit checklist and emergency contact card.

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Red Cross Helping After Tornadoes Tear Through Massachusetts

Relief efforts continue across the country as floods, tornadoes devastate communities

The American Red Cross is responding in Massachusetts where tornadoes cut a destructive swath through the western part of the state yesterday. At least 480 people spent Wednesday night in Red Cross shelters in Massachusetts.

About 19 communities reported tornado damage with the heaviest damage around Springfield, the third largest city in the state. Red Cross workers responded immediately, assisting area residents as well as the hundreds of emergency responders on the scene. Disaster teams opened shelters throughout the area and are providing food, drinks and emotional support. Damage assessment will begin today. Additional workers are being deployed to the region from Red Cross chapters in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

“This has been an extraordinary response effort that we expect will continue for days to come,” said Paige Thayer, deputy director of chapter support for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter in Massachusetts. “We have a terrific team of volunteers who will continue to provide relief services to those in need.”

The Red Cross response in Massachusetts comes on the heels of a multitude of large disaster relief operations this spring. Overnight, at least four states reported more than 100 people in Red Cross shelters.

Red Cross workers are helping people in the northwestern region of the country, where rising rivers are forcing people from their homes. More than 250 people spent Wednesday night in Red Cross shelters in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

In North Dakota, as many as 60 Red Cross workers from all around the country have arrived to operate shelters, provide food and offer emotional support to the many people whose lives have been disrupted. Additional staff and supplies are being deployed to the area. “This is the beauty of the American Red Cross,” said West Dakota Chapter Executive Director Janel Schmitz. “In these situations, the Red Cross deploys volunteers from across the country to support the response effort. Someday, our volunteers will return the favor to them.”

Red Cross teams are distributing food throughout affected neighborhoods in Montana, and assessing damage to homes. Particularly hard hit is the Crow Nation in southeastern Montana where some residents are stranded in their homes. The Red Cross is delivering food and water to the area every day.

In Joplin, MO, Tuscaloosa, AL and Minneapolis, MN, more than 175 people stayed in Red Cross shelters Wednesday night. Devastating tornadoes tore through the states in the past several weeks. As part of these tornado responses, Red Cross workers are delivering meals and snacks as well as comfort and clean-up items, and operating emergency aid stations to provide health and mental health services.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to get help to people affected by disasters. Please consider making a donation today to help to those in need. Visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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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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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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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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Red Cross Responds to 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 this state, and many others, doing everything possible to help. Hot meals and safe shelters are open and mental health counselors are out in droves due to the unimaginable number of people grieving. You can cut the heartbreak with a knife. That's why we need your help. Go to www.redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a gift.

Storm victims need all of us to help right now so thank you in advance for caring about your neighbors near and far.

Video produced by Anita Foster, American Red Cross, Dallas, Texas on assignment in Phil Campbell and Hackleburg, Alabama

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