Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (May 24, 2025) — Two trained disaster relief volunteer from the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada deployed this week to Kentucky and Missouri for 14-day missions to aid communities devastated by the catastrophic storms and tornadoes that swept across the area. On the ground, Red Cross disaster teams are providing shelter, food and emotional support to individuals and families in need.
“The tornadoes have left a profound impact in Kentucky and Missouri, displacing families and destroying neighborhoods,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Our teams are committed to helping those affected recover by providing care and resources to help them move forward. We will remain by their side in the weeks and months ahead.”
The team deployed from the Red Cross of Southern Nevada includes Dene Shaver, a veteran volunteer from Pahrump who has deployed 31 times and is now assisting in Missouri, and Jeffrey Robins, a volunteer from Las Vegas with 14 deployments, who is currently supporting efforts in Kentucky.
Red Cross Assisting in Kentucky and Missouri
The National Weather Service has confirmed that the tornado, which claimed 19 lives across three Kentucky counties last week, was a powerful EF4 storm with winds reaching 170 mph. In Missouri, a tornado struck the Greater St. Louis area, killing five people, while two others lost their lives in the southeastern part of the state.
More than 270 Red Cross volunteers are currently on-site, coordinating closely with community and government partners to ensure everyone affected receives the help they need. Together with its partners, the Red Cross has provided over 1,000 overnight stays in 12 emergency shelters, distributed nearly 13,300 meals and snacks, and delivered more than 5,300 relief items to approximately 1,200 households. Trained Red Cross volunteers in the shelters are helping families cope, offering emotional support, and assisting with replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses, and essential medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs.
Growing Need for Disaster Preparedness
Last year, the U.S. faced 27 weather and climate disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This came on the heels of a record-breaking 28 billion-dollar disasters in 2023. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events underscore the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Red Cross volunteers continue to lead disaster relief efforts, providing shelter, meals and emergency aid to communities affected by hurricanes, storms, wildfires and floods. From 1980 to 2022, the U.S. averaged eight major disasters per year. However, the sharp rise in recent years amplifies the critical need for ongoing support and action.
Join the Red Cross Team
Red Cross disaster volunteers receive training to respond to local emergencies like home fires, providing critical immediate support on-site or remotely. With additional experience and training, volunteers can also deploy to larger emergencies nationwide. Visit redcross.org/DAT to learn more about disaster response opportunities.
Every day, Red Cross volunteers make a difference in their communities. From supporting disaster victims to donating blood or teaching lifesaving skills, they play vital roles in helping others. Find a role that suits you by exploring volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.
How You Can Help
Support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts today. Your contributions help prepare for, respond to and assist in recovery from disasters of all sizes. Visit redcross.org, 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.
