Red Cross Phlebotomist’s Home Damaged by Tropical Storm Debby

“Everybody’s doing ok, we’re managing. Still a lot, a lot, a lot of work and repairs and cleanup to do. I’m working today, and I’m kind of glad because I needed a break from the house.”

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Samantha Patton is an American Red Cross Phlebotomist in Charleston. Her Isle of Palms home was damaged by Tropical Storm Debby. Samantha remembers hearing the storm's loud sounds and the shaking of her house.

“I was bracing myself because the house was shaking so bad I thought it was going to fall off the stilts. It was very scary,” said Samantha. “A tree came through my son’s window and we have a lot of leaks.”

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Tropical Storm Debby made its second landfall Thursday morning in South Carolina and is expected to bring more devastating flooding and tornadoes to the region as it moves north. More than 850 Red Cross-trained volunteers from across the country are working with partners to provide safe shelter, meals, and comfort for people across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, where Debby has damaged homes and forced people to leave their neighborhoods.

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The home sustained significant damage, including to the roof, trees through several windows, and a large tree across the front steps, blocking the entrance. Thankfully, Samantha’s neighbors rallied around her family and immediately came over to help clean up downed trees and debris.

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“When I reached out to the American Red Cross, the number one thing they asked me is if my family and I had a safe place to go,” Samantha recalls her team members encouraged her to call 1-800 RED CROSS after her home was damaged in the storm. “So, I know and want everyone else to know that if you’re ever hit with a disaster and in need of a safe place to stay, please reach out to the Red Cross because they are here to help and willing to offer a safe place to go if needed.”

August 08, 2024

Story told by Mandy McMahon

Samantha Patton is an American Red Cross Phlebotomist in Charleston. Her Isle of Palms home was damaged by Tropical Storm Debby. Samantha remembers hearing the storm's loud sounds and the shaking of her house.

“I was bracing myself because the house was shaking so bad I thought it was going to fall off the stilts. It was very scary,” said Samantha. “A tree came through my son’s window and we have a lot of leaks.”

The home sustained significant damage, including to the roof, trees through several windows, and a large tree across the front steps, blocking the entrance. Thankfully, Samantha’s neighbors rallied around her family and immediately came over to help clean up downed trees and debris.

“When I reached out to the American Red Cross, the number one thing they asked me is if my family and I had a safe place to go,” Samantha recalls her team members encouraged her to call 1-800 RED CROSS after her home was damaged in the storm. “So, I know and want everyone else to know that if you’re ever hit with a disaster and in need of a safe place to stay, please reach out to the Red Cross because they are here to help and willing to offer a safe place to go if needed.”

Tropical Storm Debby made its second landfall Thursday morning in South Carolina and is expected to bring more devastating flooding and tornadoes to the region as it moves north. More than 850 Red Cross-trained volunteers from across the country are working with partners to provide safe shelter, meals, and comfort for people across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, where Debby has damaged homes and forced people to leave their neighborhoods.

People urgently need aid now. You can help by making a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).