Disaster-trained workers with the American Red Cross of Louisiana are on the ground and coordinating with local officials following a night of severe weather, including suspected tornadoes and heavy rain, that swept through the state overnight and into early Thursday morning.

The Red Cross has mobilized teams to conduct damage assessments and provide immediate support to affected families in Hammond, Lecompte, and Maringouin.

“Our priority is ensuring that those who lost their homes or sustained significant damage have a safe place to turn,” said Kenneth St. Charles, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region. “Red Cross case workers are meeting with families to address their immediate disaster-caused needs and will remain a part of their recovery journey in the days and weeks to come.”

The threat of severe weather remains a concern for the region. The Red Cross urges residents to stay weather-aware and follow all safety protocols as the system moves through the Southeast.

HOW TO GET HELP If you have been impacted by the storms and need assistance, please contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

DOWNLOAD THE EMERGENCY APP For real-time weather alerts and localized safety information, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Search “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.