News Release from the Louisville, KY area. Issued yesterday afternoon (2/6/08)
Volunteers Mobilize, Open Several Shelters for Impacted Residents
LOUISVILLE, KY, February 6, 2008 – Throughout the state of Kentucky, the Red Cross has established six shelters and is providing care and comfort to those affected by last night’s storms and devastating tornadoes. In nearly every tornado-affected community, Red Cross workers began working last night, and remain on the job, providing shelter, feeding victims, search and rescue workers, and lending emotional support to all.
More than 350 people stayed in shelters last night as a rash of 60 tornadoes scarred Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky. Wednesday morning has brought to light the stark realization of damage done. Thus far, news reports indicate that more than 50 people lost their lives, and major damage was sustained to structures in rural and suburban communities alike.
Established American Red Cross shelters throughout Kentucky are as follows:
● Gamaliel Elementary School at 320 E Main Street, Gamaliel, KY 42140 (Monroe County)
● Pleasant Field Full Gospel Church at 100 Holland Road, Scottsville< KY 42164 (Allen County)
● Emergency Management Office at 1450 Rineyville Road Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (Hardin County)
● David T. Wilson Middle School at 1075 Old Ekron Road, Brandenburg, KY 40108 (Meade County)
● Second Baptist Church, 217 West Depot Street, Greenville, KY 42345 (Muhlenberg County)
The Red Cross Louisville Area Chapter’s Chief of Disaster Services, Keith Alvey, is visiting critical areas in Kentucky to oversee Red Cross preparedness for immediate service delivery response. “Damage assessment teams are out in affected areas such as Monroe, Allen, Hardin, Meade and Muhlenberg counties evaluating damage to homes,” said Alvey. With the preliminary damage assessment information, the Red Cross will determine the best service delivery approach to the particular situation.
“Gathering this disaster damage information is critical to the success of our operation,” said Alvey. “With this information, we can determine priorities for providing assistance, verify the damage suffered by families requesting Red Cross disaster assistance and determine where needs are most urgent. Additionally, decisions such as staffing, supply needs, estimating relief costs and providing a basis for fund-raising decisions are all based on a complete and accurate damage assessment.”
