Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 24, 2025) — A trained disaster relief volunteer from the American Red Cross of Utah deployed this week to Kentucky for a 14-day mission to aid communities devastated by the catastrophic storms and tornadoes that swept across the state. 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, displacing families and destroying neighborhoods,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “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.”
Kristi Dunn, a veteran Red Cross volunteer from North Ogden, deployed this week to support disaster relief efforts in Kentucky. She has deployed to at least nine other disaster responses across the country and brings extensive experience and compassion to recovery efforts.
Red Cross Assisting in Kentucky
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. This tornado left widespread destruction in its path, adding to a year of weather-related disasters for 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.
This is the third time this year Kentucky has been hit by weather-related disasters. Earlier incidents include historic flooding in February and record-breaking Kentucky River levels in April, leading to the worst floods in over a century.
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.
