ALLENDALE, S.C. April 6, 2022 – Disaster-trained volunteers with the American Red Cross are responding to storm damage and other resident impacts caused by tornadoes yesterday evening in Allendale County.

American Red Cross of South Carolina response activities:

• Last night, the Department of Social Services and American Red Cross opened one shelter in the Town of Fairfax, with no overnight occupants. The shelter will likely close at noon today and then assessed if it will reopen this evening.
• Disaster action teams are meeting with impacted individuals to open recovery cases and conduct damage assessments for 15 homes impacted:
  • 5 homes were destroyed
  • 4 homes have major damage
  • 6 homes have minor damage
• An Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) is on-site in the area distributing assistance, snacks, water, and comfort kits.

The Red Cross of South Carolina Disaster Action Team members are responding to provide the affected people with financial assistance for immediate needs like shelter, food, and clothes to the families impacted.

“As our teams work with the families impacted, we are certainly thinking about them and want to provide all the support we can,” said Rebecca Jordan, the Executive Director of the Central Chapter. “This devasting event reminds us that disasters can happen anywhere at any time. With severe spring storms imminent, we ask the community to stay prepared by making an emergency kit, creating a plan with your family, and making sure you have a way to receive weather alerts, such as the Red Cross Emergency App.”

In addition to immediate needs, Red Cross team members are providing virtual mental and spiritual care assistance to anyone that may need it. The Red Cross will continue to stay in contact with its partners to see if any additional assistance as needed.

TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

Know the difference

• Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Be aware of tornado danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish clouds – a phenomenon caused by hail
• Wall cloud – a lowering of the base of a storm’s base
• Cloud of debris
• Large hail
• Funnel cloud
• Roaring noise

Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.

Move to an underground shelter, basement or safe room.  If none is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.

Be aware that no area of a mobile home is safe during tornadoes or other severe winds. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your manufactured home immediately and go to either, using your seat belt if driving.

YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single donation matters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. 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 emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.  The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC

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