The American Red Cross is deeply saddened by the loss of life and incredible devastation brought by the horrific tornadoes that touched down this weekend across multiple states in the center of the country.
Right now, trained Red Cross disaster workers are actively beginning large scale relief efforts in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri to provide safe shelter, food and emotional support in the face of one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in years. Sunday night, approximately ten emergency shelters were open in Kentucky and Tennessee, providing safe refuge to more than 190 people.
A total of 16 local volunteers have already stepped up to help—including four teams of two driving emergency response vehicles to deliver food, water, clean-up kits and other supplies to residents in affected areas. With such widespread damage, we know families will need support for weeks to come and the Red Cross will be there for as long as needed.
The Red Cross has provided approximately 200 additional blood products to hospitals in response to these devastating tornadoes. We remain in close touch with our hospital partners throughout affected areas and stand ready to provide additional blood products as needed.
Blood donation appointments can be made by visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Financial donations to help people affected by disasters big and small can be made by visiting www.redcross.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by texting the word DISASTER to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross is in need of additional volunteers who are willing to be trained and deploy to future disasters. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.