This just in from Mid-West Kentucky Chapter:
MADISONVILLE February 6, 2008
Red Cross volunteers and staff responded quickly to open shelters to provide care and comfort to those affected by the devastating tornadoes in Western Kentucky. Red Cross workers began working last night, and remain on the job, providing shelter, feeding victims and search and rescue workers and lending emotional support to all. Three shelters were mobilized in Muhlenberg County Tuesday evening and one shelter in Christian. One shelter will open Wednesday night. The location will depend on the success of utility crews to restore power in Greenville Wednesday morning has brought to light the stark realization of damage done. Thus far, news reports indicate that more than 3 people lost their lives, and major damage was sustained to structures in Muhlenberg, Christian and Hopkins Counties. Red Cross Disaster Assessment Teams have been deployed from the Mid-West Kentucky Chapter to identify specific needs and qualify persons impacted for Red Cross assistance.
The Mid-West Kentucky Chapter was able to respond immediately, having trained volunteers and supplies throughout the affected areas. As the need for emergency sheltering and feeding subsides, the Red Cross will offer additional goods and services, such as bulk distribution of clean-up kits and other needed supplies. Also, Red Cross case workers will engage individuals and families to provide additional assistance based on the damage sustained to their homes. Jeanie Barnett, Executive Director of the Mid-West Kentucky Chapter, explained the challenges, “Last night gave us a taste of the challenges meeting a multi-county disaster. Deploying workers and resources became even more challenging as more storms approached. Trying to find out where shelter operations are needed in the chaos following a disaster is difficult; but, we cannot send workers out while the storm is still raging”. Jeanie added, “Thanks to the generosity of our communities, we have been adding to our capacity to respond to disasters and provide shelter. The irony is that we ordered 100 cots and pillows and 200 blankets that should be delivered today”.
