Media Contact: Sherry Nicholson

(Atlanta, March 30, 2021)— Red Cross relief efforts continue in Georgia following severe weather and tornadoes across 10 counties on March 25th, including a devastating EF4 tornado in hardest-hit Heard and Coweta counties. Volunteer teams working nonstop will wrap-up damage assessment today in Newnan after surveying nearly 800 homes and pinpointing the emergency needs of residents in affected communities. Reports show more than 339 Georgia homes were destroyed or have major damage and the Red Cross has been helping to meet the emergency needs of displaced residents since the storms hit.

Anyone in need of emergency help can contact the Red Cross at:

855-891-7325

“Our immediate priority is ensuring safe lodging, food, health resources, and emotional support for those who need it,” said Job Director Shawn McCorry. “As the week progresses, Red Cross caseworkers will also begin helping impacted families take next steps toward their recovery, offering resources and assistance.”

Last night, Red Cross volunteers ensured safe lodging and delivered meals for 114 people at 12 hotels across six counties. That number may grow today as more people with emergency needs step forward. Emergency Response Vehicles loaded with water, snacks, and supplies such as gloves, tarps, rakes, and clean-up kits are also moving through hard-hit neighborhoods in Newnan today to support residents beginning the daunting clean-up process.

In addition, the Red Cross continues to work closely with community partners and local emergency management officials to determine what other help is needed. Bulk emergency supplies from the Red Cross and the support of disaster health, mental health, and spiritual care volunteers will be available at the Coweta County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, joining community-wide efforts to pull together.

Red Cross Disaster Assessment Team members Gary Weinstein and Bernie Wasserman, who worked in Newnan for the past several days, remarked on the extensive damage, the resiliency of the community, and the generosity of those who have stepped up to help.

“So many people from all around Georgia just showed up to help after the tornado, said Gary. “They gave out water and sandwiches, brought chain saws to clear trees, and helped with clean up. It makes you feel good to see that …”

“Nobody says ‘Why me?’” added Bernie, speaking of impacted residents they’ve encountered. “They say ‘We’re still alive… We have insurance… We’ll be OK…’ You separate yourself from the work of assessing damage during the day but at night, you think about what you saw and wonder, what would I do if it happened to me?”

How People Can Help:

Help people affected by spring tornadoes and floods by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the words STORMS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from these disasters.

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.