Video

Video compilation of Red Cross response to tornadoes.

Red Cross Service Centers Open in Tennessee

 Trained Interviewers to Meet With Clients and Provide Emergency Assistance

Gallatin, TN, February 10, 2008 – The American Red Cross, in its continuing efforts to assist the victims of the tornados, will open Red Cross Service Centers in various locations throughout the affected areas of Tennessee. The centers will be located at the following sites:

Hickory Hill Community Center
3920 Ridgeway
Memphis, TN 38115
901-566-9685
Hours: 9am-12pm

Old Sears Store
329 Highway 52 Bypass East
Lafayette, TN 37083
Hours: 8am-6pm

Jackson Area Chapter
1981 Hollywood Drive, Suite 100
Jackson, TN 38305
731-427-5543
Hours: 9am-5pm

Fairview, TN
2714 Fairview Blvd
Fairview, TN 32062
202-230-4535
Hours: 8am-6pm

Centerville United Methodist Church
103 College Street
Centerville, TN 37033
Hours: 9am-4pm

Hartsville Aid Station
303 E. Main St.
Hartsville, TN 37074
Hours: 8am-8pm

Starting today, February 11, 2008, these service centers will be open to individuals or families who live in the affected areas and need assistance.

At the service center, each individual or family will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a trained interviewer to help determine needs and provide urgently needed assistance. Assistance may include providing them with the means to pay for what they need most — from groceries, new clothing, and rent to emergency home repairs, transportation, household items, medicines, and tools. Red Cross may also be able to refer victims to other agencies which can assist with their needs.

Individuals or families who apply to the Red Cross for assistance must bring with them some form of identification showing their address, as proof that they lived in the area affected by the disaster.

There is absolutely no charge for any Red Cross disaster assistance. All disaster assistance is free — a gift from the American people. No repayment is required or expected.

Disaster victims who–because of age, physical difficulty, or similar reasons–cannot come to a Red Cross Service Center, may also use the Red Cross Hotline to request assistance.

To obtain information about Red Cross assistance for disaster victims, call the Red Cross Hotline at 1-866-GET-INFO. TDD 1-800-526-1417 for hearing impaired callers.

Tornado Photos

Full caption information

Response to Tuesday’s Tornadoes and Storms in Kentucky

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.”