By Jerrica Williams, American Red Cross
After a long, hard day at work, one of the last things anyone would expect would be to end the night under a tree and piles of debris.
This was the reality for Tamara Roberts, a mother, fiancé, and long-time Griffin resident who had never experienced this type of severe weather in her life. Last month, a series of tornadoes with damaging winds made their way to Georgia and unfortunately her family was one of many impacted.
Roberts described the night as one of the most frightening experiences she has ever had. “I had just got home from work. I was fresh out of the shower and heading to my couch to lotion up,” says Roberts. “Next thing you know, I’m outside, completely unclothed and stuck for two whole hours in the rain and cold. It was a lot going on.”
Neighbors ran from their homes after hearing the screams from Roberts and her family. Her husband was also stuck under piles of debris. The ceiling had fallen on her two adult children who were able to escape the rubbish by exiting the home from a window on the side of the home that was still standing. They also attempted to help Roberts escape from under the mess but were afraid of hurting her, so they decided to wait on emergency medical services.
Tamara Roberts and her family were the first to arrive at the First United Methodist Church shelter and stayed until the dormitory services ended. She arrived the same night of the storm in a hospital gown and in a lot of pain but thanks to American Red Cross nurses and shelter staff, Roberts was able to receive help.
“The nurses that were at the Red Cross shelter were the only reason why I was able to rest on that night. They massaged and wrapped my injuries, gave me pain medicine, and made sure the bed was comfortable enough.” Roberts shared.
Roberts also shared that she experienced a home fire in July 2022. Her home burned down while her family was at church and the Red Cross was on the scene to assist immediately. “Judy Dunn and her husband are good people. They were there when our house burned down, and I recognized them at the shelter after this storm. They didn’t recognize me, but I will always remember them.”
“I’m just thankful that I made it out. I look at the pictures of my house and get emotional,” says Roberts. She says she and her family are grateful for the support the American Red Cross has given them in their times of need.
Hundreds of Red Cross staff and volunteers worked countless hours on the ground over the last few weeks to assist families affected by the January 12th tornadoes. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to RedCross.org. You can also download the free American Red Cross Emergency App to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps. The app is also compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices.