By: Linda Sadler

Red Cross members swung into action to assist Mustang, Tuttle, Norman, Shawnee and McLoud, Oklahoma, the night of Feb. 26, 2023.   

A line of severe storms entered the area around 9 p.m. and continued through the night wreaking devastation and creating anguish thru this area. The storms generated an EF2 tornado; several smaller, pop-up tornadoes; and high winds. The storms tracked southwest of Oklahoma City in the Tuttle and Mustang areas and continued northeast through Norman to Shawnee and McLoud.

After a disaster, the Red Cross works with local officials to meet the immediate needs of an affected community. Red Cross volunteers set up a warming center at the 12th Street Recreation Center soon after getting in touch with Norman’s Emergency Management lead around midnight Monday. The Red Cross provided snacks and water, and cots were on hand if needed. The experienced disaster team that staffed this center was very understanding and compassionate to the people who came in search of comfort and help. 

Red Cross damage assessment teams were on the ground in various communities on Tuesday for the preliminary assessment of tornado damage. Teams also traveled through hard-hit neighborhoods in the Norman area, distributing emergency supplies to help people clean up the damage the tornadoes wreaked on their homes. Families were very appreciative of the assistance the Red Cross offered.   

Follow-up assistance for communities affected by the tornadoes is now underway. It started less than a week after the tornadoes touched down, and dozens of families are being helped. Caseworkers are meeting with residents in person to review the damage to their homes and guide them through the next steps of recovery. 

No matter the size or type of a disaster, the Red Cross is always ready to provide comfort and hope; meet immediate needs for shelter, food, medicine and more; and guide people in their recovery.

Linda Sadler is a disaster and public affairs volunteer based in the Central and Southwest Oklahoma Chapter