The Red Cross Responding To Urgent Needs As Flooding, Tornadoes, And Excessive Heat Hits States

IS REACHING OUT TO PUBLIC FOR HELP In recent weeks, devastating tornadoes have been reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Michigan. At nearly the same time, life-threatening flash flooding has taken aim at parts of Texas and Louisiana. Added to that forecasters are predicting the first of what likely will be many extreme heat events this summer in many parts of the country – high temperatures are expected for much of Texas, Louisiana, the Southern Plains, and Florida. Many areas face repetitive loss from back-to-back storms, while daily headlines of severe weather impacts can leave people across the country exhausted. American Red Cross volunteers are out in full force in all of these areas, delivering help and hope as tens of thousands of people struggle to stay cool during prolonged power outages while picking up the pieces that the storm’s impact has had on their lives, homes and belongings. And the danger is far from over. Some people will remain without power for as long as the flooding continues as more severe weather could impact communities where many rivers and reservoirs are already at flood stage. Red Cross Encourages You to Be Weather Aware During Storms & Floods: Heavy Rain: Turn around, don’t drown. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving turn around and go another way. Know the Difference: A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible. A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. Go to your safe place immediately. Power Outages: Use flashlights in the dark – not candles-flashlights are generally safer than candles for use in the dark because they are brighter and don't pose a fire risk. If using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use in wet conditions. Prepare: Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of flooding or severe storms, as well as locations of shelters. The Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters as it did a decade ago to help families and communities struggling with more frequent and intense disasters as a result of the climate crisis. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced an all-time high of 28 billion dollars plus disasters that ravaged communities and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee from severe storms, floods and wildfires. In recent weeks Red Cross teams have been standing by to open additional shelters as needed and are currently moving more emergency response vehicles into additional communities to help distribute food and relief supplies. In light of recent spring storms and floods, the Red Cross and their partners have provided: 4,700 overnight stays in dozens of emergency shelters. More than 143,000 meals and snacks. More than 50,600 relief items, including comfort kits, flood cleanup supplies, and other needed items to households across the country.