On a Saturday morning in April, American Red Cross volunteers across Louisiana received an urgent, no-notice alert: a fictional storm had impacted multiple communities, and shelters needed to be activated immediately. The exercise, known as Thunderbolt, was designed to test how quickly and effectively teams could respond when safe shelter is needed without delay.

More than 30 volunteers mobilized within hours to deliver supplies, including enough cots and blankets for a 100-person capacity shelter, and to set up 10 shelters across nine parishes in southern Louisiana. Locations included Lafayette, Jennings, Gonzales, Lutcher, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Terrytown, Metairie, Covington and Houma.

Each team had four hours to complete the full setup: unloading and assembling cots, placing blankets, posting exterior signage, organizing the facility, and checking in three fictional families. The goal was to mirror the real-world pace and coordination required during an actual disaster.

“This shelter simulation was designed ahead of hurricane season to test our readiness,” said Micah Nicholas, Executive Director of the Capital-Area West Chapter of the American Red Cross of Louisiana. “We know when a big storm happens, we have no time to prepare. We have to show up.”

The exercise highlighted the strength of trained volunteers, the support of community partners, and the shared commitment to ensuring families have a safe place to stay when emergencies occur.

“Providing shelter is our commitment to the state of Louisiana during disasters, especially ahead of spring storm and hurricane season,” said Ed Bush, Regional Disaster Officer.

All 10 shelter teams successfully met the exercise objectives, completing setup and guest check-in within the required timeframe. Thunderbolt is part of a national effort, with every Red Cross region across the country conducting the exact same test to ensure consistent readiness.

“Sheltering is the first mission that we do before or immediately after a disaster. It's the only mission that can't be delayed when our neighbors here in Louisiana need a safe place to stay,” said Mustafa Al Lami, Regional Mass Care & Logistics Manager.

The success of the exercise reflects the work of many contributors, including planning teams, shelter teams, logistics teams, observers, and others who supported the effort behind the scenes.

The Red Cross remains committed to building strong local shelter teams in every community across Louisiana. Disasters such as tornadoes, floods, chemical plant incidents, and large multi-family fires can happen anywhere, and trained volunteers are essential to responding quickly.

To join the roster of local volunteers who are ready to help when disaster strikes, visit redcross.org/Louisiana.