NEO volunteers assisting residents affected by downstate tornadoes
More help from Northeast Ohio is on the way to tornado stricken Dayton and the surrounding area. An Emergency Response Vehicle, which is stationed in Cleveland, will be deployed with a two-person crew to help provide meals and emergency supplies to residents affected by Monday night’s storms.
More than 130 Ohioans spent the night in 6 shelters last night. They were among nearly 500 people who took refuge in more than 30 Red Cross and Community shelters in several states that have been hit hard by bad weather this week.
Red Cross volunteers Pam Williams and Monica Bunner working in Dayton
In addition to the ERV and its crew, six other disaster workers from Northeast Ohio are assigned to the relief operation, and are already in Dayton, fulfilling various roles – from mass care to government operations to reunification.
“Basically we help families reunite,” said Monica Bunner, a disaster volunteer from Medina. “Say someone is missing as a result of the disaster and could be in a shelter. The Safe & Well site allows one to register and send messages to loved ones to let them know they are OK.”
Photo credit: Todd James/American Red Cross
Prepare in Advance
More spring storms are in the forecast this week for a vast swath of the country. You can prepare for violent weather in the following ways:
Educate your family on how to use the Safe and Well website.
Assemble an emergency preparedness kit, which includes a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio). For a detailed list of supplies to include, see updated Be Red Cross Ready Checklist.
Create a household emergency plan that includes your pets.
Stay informed about your community’s risk and response plans.
Download the Emergency App for iPhone or for Android.
Remember, if you or a member of your household is an individual with access or functional needs, including a disability, consider developing a comprehensive evacuation plan in advance with family, care providers and care attendants, as appropriate.
Complete a personal assessment of functional abilities and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster situation, and create a personal support network to assist.
Many kind-hearted people have offered to help, driven by the compassion that is typical of Northeast Ohioans. While the Red Cross does not accept donations of items, we do encourage financial support. It is the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most, by allowing us to be flexible in the help we deliver. Financial donations can be accessed quickly, and can ensure that we can provide the residents affected by the tornadoes what they need most.
You can donate to American Red Cross disaster relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
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