Media Contact: Evan Peterson
BRYAN COUNTY, GA – April 6, 2022 — After damaging storms ripped through central Georgia on Tuesday, Red Cross disaster volunteers responded quickly to provide emergency essentials and emotional support for families in need.
Heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and tornadic activity were the major causes of damage. The storms led to widespread power outages, damaging trees, and snapping power lines. Scattered pockets of residential damage were reported throughout the region. Additionally, the second round of storms is expected during the afternoon and evening of 4/6/2022. Current areas significantly impacted by storms on 04/05/2022: Bibb, Bryan, Houston, Taylor, and Twiggs county. Several neighboring counties have also reported scattered damage. One unconfirmed fatality has been reported, along with 15 injuries.
In response to this destruction, the American Red Cross of Georgia has deployed 33 staff and volunteers, of which 24 are virtual, who have helped displaced residents throughout this 48-hour time period.
During a break in the storm, American Red Cross leadership worked alongside Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, and numerous community partners to put on a press conference addressing: the recent storm, how many people have been impacted, and what the plans are for helping them.
The shelter location is:
As the stormy weather dissipates, damage assessment is being completed. Red Cross responders are continuing to reach out to those residents whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged to provide assistance through sheltering, feeding distribution of emergency supplies, and health and mental health services.
The Red Cross will continue to work with clients to help them through their next steps, provide additional recovery resources, and help them to their new normal. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible through the generosity of the community. People in need of emergency assistance are asked to call 1-800 Red Cross (1-800-733-2767).
Blood Shortage
The American Red Cross is reminding blood donors it’s critically important to maintain a stable blood supply this Spring to support those impacted by disasters like this. Make an appointment today by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is currently an emergency need for blood and platelet donors of all types.
Prepare your family
Take three simple steps to ensure your family is prepared for disasters.
Search “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps to download our free apps to ensure you have lifesaving information right at your fingertips.
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.