{"id":39136,"date":"2013-11-20T07:00:08","date_gmt":"2013-11-20T12:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=39136"},"modified":"2020-12-16T18:53:52","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T23:53:52","slug":"american-red-cross-providing-comfort-midwest-tornadoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2013\/11\/20\/american-red-cross-providing-comfort-midwest-tornadoes\/","title":{"rendered":"American Red Cross providing comfort after midwest tornadoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"American<\/p>\n

News release from the American Red Cross:<\/p>\n

American Red Cross Providing Comfort after Midwest Tornadoes<\/strong><\/p>\n

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WASHINGTON, (November 18, 2013) – The American Red Cross is responding across five states to help people affected by Sunday’s devastating tornado outbreak and severe weather in the Midwest, providing food, shelter and comfort to families and individuals in need.<\/p>\n

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by Sunday’s severe storms,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “Red Cross workers are on the ground now providing relief and we’ll be there for weeks to come helping people pick up the pieces and get back on their feet.”<\/p>\n

Twelve Red Cross shelters were open in the hardest hit states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio Sunday night. Meanwhile, Red Cross workers also are helping people in Kentucky and Michigan whose homes were damaged from storms. As roads reopen, Red Cross emergency vehicles will hand out meals, snacks and relief supplies in affected communities. Emergency aid stations are also open in some areas where people can get food and snacks, mental health and health care services, and information about what help is available.<\/p>\n

This has been a deadly and devastating storm, and Red Cross disaster mental health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath. Health workers are also available to help people replace things like lost medications and eyeglasses.<\/p>\n

Throughout affected communities, damage assessment teams are helping to determine the full scope of destruction left behind by the tornadoes while more workers, supplies and equipment are being mobilized in case they are needed. In the days ahead, Red Cross workers will work with families to make individual recovery plans, fill out paperwork, and connect them to other services to support recovery efforts. The Red Cross is also coordinating closely with government and community partners to provide help and support long term recovery efforts.<\/p>\n

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FOLLOW SAFETY STEPS <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Red Cross reminds affected residents to return to their neighborhood only when officials say it is safe to do so. They should also:<\/p>\n