Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (May 29, 2024) — Four trained American Red Cross disaster volunteers from Nevada are heading to Texas and Arkansas today for a 14-day deployment offering sheltering assistance to those affected by widespread severe storms in the central United States. Red Cross disaster relief teams from across the nation are mobilizing to support evacuees in states slammed by storms this past weekend.
The holiday weekend brought the busiest severe weather day of the year so far, with 26 reported tornadoes across 10 states and more than 60 reports of strong wind or hail across some 20 states. Storms continue to move across Texas, knocking out power to more than half a million customers, during a time where many are also under the threat of triple-digit temperatures. “Our Nevada Red Cross volunteers are ready to help those in need as severe weather continues to cause damage,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Their unwavering commitment to assisting others, not just locally but nationwide, is truly commendable. We take pride in our team’s readiness to lend a helping hand in times of need.”
The veteran team of Nevada volunteers deploying to Arkansas includes Tammy Brandl from Pahrump, who has been deployed 25 times with the Red Cross, Linda Gong from Las Vegas with 13 deployments and Michael Allgaier from Carson City going on his first deployment. Dene Shaver from Pahrump, who has 29 deployments, is going to Texas for disaster relief.
Continued severe weather
Our local volunteers’ deployment is crucial due to their capacity to manage a shelter accommodating up to 100 people. With hundreds of thousands of people without power and hundreds of homes destroyed, the Red Cross is operating shelters to ensure everyone has a safe place to stay and access to meals, power and other essentials. The Red Cross has set up shelters in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kentucky, after a pattern of storms stretching back weeks.
“As a Red Cross volunteer, responding to disasters to aid residents is more than a duty – it’s a calling, to be there for people when they need it most,” said Shaver. “Knowing that our actions can bring comfort and hope to those affected drives us to stand with communities during their most challenging times.”
Join the team
After initial training, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, such as helping those displaced by home fires. They can provide immediate support either on-site or remotely. With experience and additional training, volunteers can deploy to major emergencies or disasters in Nevada and across the country. Explore more opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.
Every day, individuals and families in our community rely on Red Cross volunteers for assistance. Volunteers help people affected by disasters, donate blood, teach lifesaving skills and support active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. Discover the volunteer role that suits you best at redcross.org/volunteer.
Support people affected by disasters
Make a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit RedCross.org/Donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.