DUBOIS – The American Red Cross continues to work around the clock to provide Oklahoma tornado victims with their immediate needs including food, shelter, water and comfort. The organization is currently operating seven shelters, and volunteers are on the ground, distributing relief supplies and assisting many on their path to recovery.
More supplies, equipment and workers are on the way to help the victims in Oklahoma. Almost 30 emergency response vehicles are en route to distribute food, water and relief supplies to people in need. Two Southern Baptist Convention kitchens and kitchen support trailers will join the relief effort with the ability to serve tens of thousands of meals a day.
Although the Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania is not currently deploying volunteers or emergency response vehicles, it stands ready to assist in the national relief efforts. The local Red Cross has vehicles on standby throughout the region and it is assessing the availability of its workforce.
Emergency aid stations will open where people can get food and snacks, mental health and health services and information about what help is available. The Red Cross is supporting first responders and working with local and state officials to make sure people get the help they need. Meanwhile, the Red Cross continues to provide shelter in Shawnee and other parts of the Oklahoma City area following storms over the weekend.
People in the affected area should let loved ones know they are safe, and the Red Cross recommends several ways to do this. People can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site by visiting www.redcross.org and clicking on the “List Yourself or Search Registrants” link under “How to Get Help.” Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website. From a smart phone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search for friends and family” link. People can also use the “I’m Safe” feature of the free Red Cross tornado app.
This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community. You can help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. You can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your donation helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.
