Red Cross Assisting with Recovery After Devastating Tornadoes

Volunteers with the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded to 28 home fires in Chicago, Country Club Hills, Elgin, Wilmette, Bartlett, Maywood, Grayslake, Highland Park, Crete, Earlville, and Yorkville this past week.

Red Cross volunteers helped 77 people including 30 children with temporary housing, meals, health services, disaster mental health services, financial assistance and information about recovery planning.

A fire can take a home in as little as two minutes. Therefore, escaping in less than two minutes can be the difference between survival and tragedy. The American Red Cross encourages everyone to talk to their children about fire safety to help families stay safe and prepared.

Tornado Response Update

The American Red Cross is providing comfort and support to people across multiple states after deadly tornadoes and storms struck a large part of the country over the weekend in Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma. Trained Red Crossers are helping families cope during this challenging time and replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs. Red Cross volunteers are helping assess the residential damage in affected communities.

If you need assistance after this or any disaster, including a home fire please call 1-800 Red Cross.

How You Can Help

You can make a difference in the lives of people affected by disasters. To learn how you can help, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.