Red Cross: Prepare For Approaching Storms
The American Red Cross is assisting people in Texas and throughout the Midwest after deadly storms and tornadoes swept through the area in recent days. Severe weather is expected again this week across the Great Plains and Midwest where experts report there is a good chance of more tornadoes and severe weather throughout this week.
Red Cross disaster workers have shelters open and are distributing food, drinks and relief items throughout the affected communities. Teams are out assessing damages and distributing relief items including shovels, rakes, work gloves, trash bags and more in damage-ravaged neighborhoods.
The Kosciusko County Red Cross chapter wants to urge everyone to get prepared now in case severe weather and tornadoes threaten our communities. People should watch for tornado danger signs such as dark, often greenish clouds, a wall cloud, debris clouds, large hail, funnel clouds or a loud, roaring noise.
People should pick a safe room in their household where loved ones and pets can gather, such as a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornados. If someone is in a mobile home, they should get to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately – do not wait until the tornado is visible. If someone is caught outdoors, they should seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.
Also download the free Red Cross Tornado App, available in English or Spanish. The app includes important features like a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued. This feature allows users to make critical decisions and to take actions to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe even in the middle of the night. An all-alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.
The app also features:
- Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts
- Enhanced weather maps and information provided by Weather Underground, a digital brand of The Weather Company
- One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way
- Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity
- Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm
- Locations of open Red Cross shelters