The American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri sent two volunteers from St. Joseph to Oklahoma this
weekend to assist in the aftermath of severe storms.
The agency said a tornado outbreak destroyed homes and damaged communities across
the Great Plains earlier this week.
While the most significant damage occurred in Oklahoma, portions of
Kansas, Nebraska and Texas were also impacted. The Red Cross is responding to Thursday’s
tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding, while also preparing communities for additional
severe weather that is expected this weekend.
Trained Red Cross workers are providing shelter, food, relief supplies, health services, emotional support
and other assistance to those in need.
In Oklahoma, approximately 5,000 people are still without power. The
Red Cross opened two shelters which housed nearly 80 people Thursday night, helping to provide food
and comfort for people affected by the storm. Six Red Cross emergency vehicles are delivering food,
water and disaster relief supplies in the hardest hit areas, and damage assessment teams are in
neighborhoods to determine the full scope of the destruction left behind by the storms.
The Red Cross said it’s always looking for volunteers to aid in times of need.
For information on how to become involved as an American Red Cross volunteer in Northwest Missouri contact Teresa
Cobb, Volunteer Specialist for the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri, at 816.232.8439.
Financial
contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund are also being accepted to help with disasters such as this
across the United States and can be mailed to 401 N. 12th Street St. Joseph, MO 64501, More
information can also be found at www.redcross.org