After tornadoes and strong straight-line winds moved through Southeast Tennessee on Tuesday evening, Red Cross mobilized more than 70 volunteers, provided shelter for displaced residents, and is working to ensure that emergency needs are being met for everyone who was affected.
“We are working very closely with our local Emergency Management Agencies and community partners to assure that disaster victims receive all the services they need to aid in their recovery,” said Julia Wright, executive director of the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee. “We also rely very heavily on our dedicated volunteers to mobilize quickly for such a response, on very short notice and often in the middle of the night.”
Red Cross workers are providing a safe place to stay, food and water, relief supplies, health services and emotional support to people in need. Volunteers are providing mobile feeding for emergency workers, clean-up crews and those affected by the storm. More than 250 meals have been served. Bulk clean-up items such as gloves, tarps, buckets, rakes, and garbage bags are being distributed to help with recovery.
The shelter is at Keith United Methodist Church, 600 West Madison, Athens.
As people begin to deal with the aftermath of the severe weather, the Red Cross reminds them to return to their neighborhood only when officials say it is safe to do so. They should also:
Stay out of damaged buildings. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes.
Avoid fallen power lines or broken gas lines - immediately report them to the utility companies.
If someone smells gas or hears a hissing noise, they should open a window, get everyone out of the building immediately and call the gas company or fire department.
Use flashlights, not candles when examining buildings.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to advice on what to do in emergencies and disasters.
Help people affected by disasters like severe weather in Southeast Tennessee and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.