The American Red Cross is deeply saddened by the loss of life and incredible devastation brought to Mississippi and Alabama by the horrific tornadoes that touched down late Friday. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster.

Red Cross volunteer Susan Dietrich is deploying to Mississippi to help with relief efforts after the devastating tornado. Susan, who has been volunteering with the Red Cross Indiana Region for three years, will be joining Red Cross volunteers from across the nation who are already on the ground assisting those impacted.

Media availability
To coordinate an interview with Red Cross volunteer Susan Dietrich, contact Matthew Kline at (317) 766-4806.

You can make a difference in the lives of people affected by tornadoes and storms in the South. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED CROSS or text the word TORNADO to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance.

Please take note of these safety tips to help protect you and your family, in the event of a tornado:

• Watch for tornado danger signs: dark and greenish clouds, a wall cloud or cloud of debris.
• During a tornado warning, go to your safe place immediately, whether it’s a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. A small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.
• If you live in a mobile home, find a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. No mobile home is safe in a tornado. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or vehicle, go there immediately.
• If you’re outside, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get in a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Remember to buckle your seat belt.
• Stay away from bridges or highway overpasses.
• If strong winds and flying debris occur while driving, pull over and park. Keep on your seat belt and the engine running. Put your head down below the windows and cover your head with your hands and a blanket.
   

About the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross:
The Indiana Region serves 104 counties across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois through its six-chapter areas: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). For more information on the Indiana Region: www.redcross.org/indiana. Follow the Indiana Region on Twitter at: @INRedCross, on Instagram at: @indianaredcross or www.facebook.com/INRedCross.