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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Red Cross Responds in 11 States to Spring Storms’ Aftermath

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

Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services, is in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he witnessed the damage and explained the Red Cross response.

“Our hearts go out to those who’ve suffered from this tragic event and to those who’ve lost loved ones,” said Shimanski. “You can see the absolutely heart-wrenching damage that’s occurred here. The Red Cross has some key top priorities to meet the essential needs of the victims.”

“Our primary goal is to take care of those affected. First, we’re sheltering those whose homes have been destroyed by all this damage,“ Shimanski continued. “We’re also feeding those who have been displaced—and there are countless displaced because of the extensive damage. And we’re providing emotional support—a major concern because scores of lives have been lost.”



Ensuring people have a safe place to stay is a major priority. Red Cross shelters are currently open in Alabama, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia.

More than 1,500 people spent the night in a Red Cross shelter Thursday night. In hard-hit Alabama, 12 Red Cross shelters are open across the state. Red Cross disaster workers, relief supplies, blood products and equipment have been sent into Alabama, along with more than 50 emergency response vehicles and 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross nurses and mental health workers have also been deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

The Red Cross is working with its partners around the clock to help people in every affected state, and will continue to focus on making sure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat, emotional support, basic health services and relief supplies. The Red Cross will continue to be there in the coming weeks as they help residents get back on their feet.

“The devastation to this area is tragic,” Shimanski commented. “I’m humbled to see that Red Cross staff who have damage to their own homes and lives are here volunteering in shelters, helping their neighbors in this great time of need.”

For those who are affected by a disaster in the U.S., registering on the Red Cross Safe and Well website is a way for those in the disaster area to let loved ones know they are safe. Friends and family outside the disaster area can also visit the Safe and Well site to search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.

There are several ways to register or look for messages from those affected by a disaster:

• From a computer, visit www.redcross.org and click on the “List Yourself or Search Registrants” link under “How to Get Help.”
• From a smart phone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell.
• Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register.

Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website.

The Red Cross is able to respond quickly when emergencies happen with the help of corporations who are members of the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). ADGP members pledge donations on an ongoing basis to allow the Red Cross to pre-position supplies and be ready to take immediate action when disasters occur.

ADGP members include 3M, Altria, Aon, Cisco Foundation, ConAgra Foods, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Darden Restaurants, Inc., Dr Pepper Snapple Group, FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kraft Foods, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Merck, Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Northrop Grumman, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Southwest Airlines, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies, Inc., UnitedHealthcare, UPS and Walmart.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster, both here in the United States and around the world. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. To make a donation, 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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Tornado Relief: Click, Text, Call

Hundreds of tornadoes have struck throughout the country. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and tens of thousands of families are in need. You can help. Visit redcross.org to donate to the American Red Cross.

Tonight, WFAA Channel 8 and CBS 11/TXA 21 will be hosting telethons to help raise funds for relief efforts across the south. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the call-in number.

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Red Cross Sends Help After Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South

(AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people after Wednesday’s deadly tornadoes destroyed neighborhoods throughout the southern region of the country.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who lost loved ones or have suffered through these deadly storms,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “Red Cross disaster teams are working around the clock to help the thousands of people whose lives are turned upside down. More Red Cross assistance is on the way.”

“Our top priority right now is to provide food and shelter to the thousands of people throughout the South and Midwest affected by these storms,” Shimanski said, adding that the Red Cross is also distributing relief supplies and providing emotional support and basic health services to disaster survivors.

Hardest hit was Alabama, where Governor Robert Bentley has activated National Guard troops to help in the devastated areas. The Red Cross is sending disaster workers, materials, blood products and equipment into the state. Nearly 40 emergency response vehicles are on the way, along with 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross Blood Services is moving hundreds of blood products into the area, and Red Cross nurses and mental health workers are being deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

More than 1,600 people sought refuge in 65 Red Cross shelters Wednesday night as the storms forced them from their homes. Red Cross shelters are open in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas.

“Tornadoes and floods have devastated communities and uprooted families across many states, and the Red Cross is working hand-in-hand with our federal and community partners to get assistance to people in need and help them recover,” Shimanski said.

More than half of the country has been affected by this continuous band of damaging weather, disrupting people’s lives from North Dakota to the East Coast. In the last several weeks, Red Cross disaster workers have provided thousands of overnight stays in shelters, distributed thousands of clean-up and comfort kits and served hundreds of thousands of meals and snacks.

The Red Cross is able to respond quickly when emergencies happen with the help of corporations who are members of the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). ADGP members pledge donations on an ongoing basis to allow the Red Cross to pre-position supplies and be ready to take immediate action when disasters occur.

ADGP members include Walmart, UPS, UnitedHealthcare, The TJX Companies, Inc., Target, State Street Foundation, State Farm, Southwest Airlines, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Northrup Grumman, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Merck, Lowe’s Companies, Inc.; Kraft Foods; Kimberly-Clark Corporation, John Deere Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, GE Foundation, FedEx Corporation, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Darden Restaurants, Inc, ConAgra Foods, Cisco Foundation, Aon, Altria and 3M.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster, both here in the United States and around the world. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. 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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Help for Alabama

(AP Photo/The Birmingham News, Jeff Roberts)

Following the catastrophic tornado outbreak that has claimed nearly 200 lives, the American Red Cross is asking the community to help the Red Cross by making financial contributions. Click on www.redcross.org, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Last night, more than 2,700 people stayed in Red Cross shelters in 12 states affected by disasters and that number is only expected to rise in the days ahead.

Trained Red Cross volunteers here in North Texas are standing by in the event that they're needed to head to the deep south to help.

Locally, the Red Cross helped six families affected by the tornado outbreak that stuck our community earlier in the week. It is believed that all families have been assisted.

For updates on the tornado outbreak in the south, follow @RedCross @Mid_AL_RedCross or @RedCrossDallas on Twitter.

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Prepare for Another Round of Severe Weather Across North Texas

Photo courtesy of NWS/NOAA

Over the last week, it seems every time you turn around there is yet another severe weather alert being issued. Today is no different as Dallas County has been placed under a Tornado Watch until 6:00 p.m. along with other areas in the Metroplex. While you should already have a plan in place for these severe weather dangers that continue to occur, if you don’t have a tornado plan yet the time to procrastinate is over. Take a few moments today to make sure you are ready to move to your safe place if the time comes. Here are some tips to prepare and some items you may need if severe weather threatens your neighborhood.

Know the Difference

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

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

Ways You Can Prepare

The following are procedures you should follow in order to prepare your family for tornadoes:

• Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado, windstorm or major hail storm. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Unfortunately, many residents in the Metroplex do not have basements, therefore an interior hallway or room on the lowest floor is the best choice. Putting as many walls between you and the outside will provide additional protection. Also make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.
  
  
• Get out of your mobile home and 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 work and 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.
  
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. This kit should be kept near your safe room, whether at home, work or school, and should contain supplies such as bottled water, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, an AM/FM or NOAA Weather radio and additional important items.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Log on to www.redcross.org to download free tips on getting prepared for severe weather.

In the event that severe weather does impact the North Texas area, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter will be ready to respond. Real-time updates for any responses can be found by following @RedCrossDallas on Twitter.

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