American Red Cross

I am so proud to be a part of the American Red Cross at times like these.  Although we are all so grateful that there were not any fatalities after yesterday's tornados, many homes were destroyed and hearts were broken yesterday.

I wanted to share this snippet from our board brief with you:

Following the tornadoes, our volunteer teams immediately mobilized to assess damage and set up shelters for families who were not able to return home.  The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Dallas-Fort Worth received 18 reports of tornado sightings; at least three were powerful tornadoes.  Preliminary disaster assessment indicates that approximately 600 homes have been affected, 200 of which have been destroyed.  The three areas that appear to have sustained the worst damage are: Kennedale, extending northeast into Arlington, Lancaster and Forney.  While numerous homes and structures have been damaged or destroyed, we are thrilled to report that no significant injuries or fatalities have been identified at this point.

Last night, the Red Cross served over 150 hot meals in the shelters, distributed over 1,400 blankets at DFW airport yesterday and deployed eight emergency response vehicles to circulate in the affected areas.  Red Cross volunteers fanned out across the Metroplex this morning to distribute comfort kits and clean-up supplies, and to provide food and water for victims and relief crews.  A Red Cross shelter remains open today in Lancaster to assist those in need of shelter, sustenance and emotional support.  Red Cross caseworkers will go door-to-door in affected neighborhoods to help residents develop individualized plans with effective steps toward recovery.  And to provide hope and comfort to the smallest survivors, Red Cross caseworkers will distribute Piper the Puppy to children affected by yesterday’s tornadoes.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999.