More than 50 disaster workers with the American Red Cross of Oklahoma responded as Winter Storm Fern made its way through the state, bringing snow, ice, sleet and extreme cold.

The work in Oklahoma was part of a massive response to Winter Storm Fern. At one point, about 1,500 Red Cross disaster workers were supporting relief efforts across more than a dozen states.

The Red Cross works closely with our partners to stay ready to respond 24/7, so we can help people when they need it most. Starting days before the storm arrived in Oklahoma, we worked closely with community partners and emergency management officials to create joint disaster response plans. Those commitments continued throughout the storm, with Red Cross volunteers or staff present in the state emergency operations center and eight local emergency operations centers. Their presence helped the Red Cross respond to emerging needs efficiently.

Red Cross disaster workers positioned supplies at shelter sites and delivered them to local partners before the first snowflakes fell. The Red Cross supported Stranded Motorist Assistance Recovery Team sites for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Oklahoma National Guard, helping dozens of people brought in after getting stuck in the snow and cold.

Teams were on standby, ready to open shelters throughout the state as quickly as possible if they were needed. In some cases, Red Cross disaster workers stayed in the shelters they would work at so they didn’t get snowed in somewhere away from the shelter. During the storm, 12 Red Cross and partner shelters opened for communities in need of a safe, warm place to stay.

As the snow fell, two volunteers even stayed at the regional headquarters in Tulsa for two days, getting up while it was still dark out to plow the parking lot and roads around the building. Their work was critical to ensure continued access to warehoused supplies and to the loading dock for blood shipping and receiving.

Responding to disasters is a team effort; no one organization can do it all on their own. That’s why we work closely at the community level with a wide variety of partners and leaders to make sure people have the support they need. As the need for immediate shelter eased, the Red Cross shifted to support other agencies and community organizations. That included working with the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency to deliver water and 500 blankets to five area shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises with a Red Cross Disaster Relief donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country.

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.