Red Cross is working closely with the State Emergency Operating Center and the National Weather Service, who has sent a plane to asses water levels and structural damage aerially; this will dictate the necessity to keep the shelter open another night. Currently, water is holding high, but no damage can be seen at this point. “If residents are unable to return to their homes tonight, we are expecting an influx of more than 50 overnight shelter residents,” Said Logan.

Colorado – A wildfire burnt 1000 acres about 20 miles northwest of Fort Collins County yesterday. It is only 5% contained but not a threat to homes at this time.

The Northern Colorado Chapter] has placed a shelter on standby and has necessary resources available should the need arise.

Arizona – The Gladiator Fire in Yavapai County burned hundreds of acres, destroyed several homes and prompted the evacuation of residents within the affected area on Sunday.

The Grand Canyon Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team members, opened a shelter for evacuees and provided assistance as needed.

Texas – Tornadoes touched down in Hidalgo, Live Oak and Duval Counties damaged homes and buildings on Thursday. Multiple injuries were reported.

In a separate incident, an earthquake that registered 3.7 on the Richter Scale affected residents in Shelby County on Thursday.

The South Texas Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team and provided individual assistance to disaster victims.

The Rio Colorado Chapter will conduct damage assessment later today and assist affected-area residents as needed.

The Orange County Chapter placed a shelter and volunteers on standby to provide assistance, if needed.

Florida – A wildfire has burned many acres in Indian River County but no structures are in danger at this time.

The ARC of Greater Palm Beach has placed a shelter on standby in case evacuations become necessary. The chapter provided hydration, snacks and meals for emergency workers and first responders.

Texas – Severe storms damaged mobile homes in Panola County Yesterday.

The Dallas Area Chapter dispatched Disaster Action Team members to check the extent of damage.

Chapter is in communication with local Emergency Management.

American Red Cross Mobilizes Canteen Support for Trail Derailment Responders

COLLINS, MISS. – Volunteers and staff from the American Red Cross South Mississippi Chapter are mobilizing to provide on-scene canteen support for first responders involved in a trail derailment in Collins. Red Cross will provide food and beverage for those involved in the response efforts. Covington County EMA Greg Sanford requested Red Cross canteen services to support the first responders less than an hour ago.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of disaster events in Mississippi and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.

South Dakota – Excessive rainfall caused flash flooding of a creek in Lake County that affected homes and prompted the evacuation of local residents on Sunday.

The Great Plains Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team, dispatched an Emergency Response Vehicle, provided Bulk Distribution to affected-area residents, opened a shelter and provided Mass Care to evacuees as well as emergency responders.

Minnesota – A chemical spill at a Minneapolis apartment complex in Hennepin County affected scores of residents and prompted evacuations on Saturday.

The ARC of the Twin Cities Area chapter deployed Disaster Action Team members and opened a shelter for the evacuees. The shelter closed hours later.

West Virginia – Flooding in Jackson County damaged homes and affected local residents on Saturday. A road collapsed in Logan County.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team, provided Bulk Distribution to affected-area residents, communicated with a local organization and conducted Client Casework as needed.

Texas – Two wildfires, the Livermore Ranch Fire which has consumed 13,376 acres with 25% containment and the Spring Mountain Fire which has consumed 10,496 acres with 60 percent containment, have resulted in the evacuation of some residents and the fires are threatening about 150 homes in the area.

The fires are approximately two miles from the Davis Mountain Resort and about 1,200 residents in the area are threatened by these fires.

The Southwest Texas Region has been in communication with the local Emergency Management Administration and is coordinating a response in the area.

The region is supporting an independent shelter.

Texas – Severe storms caused straight-line winds and baseball-sized hail that caused damage and affected residents in Lubbock County on Sunday.

The South Plains Regional Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team, provided individual assistance and staffed local Emergency Operations Center.

Montana – Rapid snow melt and rain caused flooding that threatened homes in Missoula County and prompted the evacuation of residents within the affected area on Friday.

The ARC of Montana chapter communicated with local emergency management, deployed a Disaster Action Team, and opened a shelter for affected-area residents. The shelter was placed on stand-by hours later.

American Red Cross Responds to Tornados in Southeast Colorado

Friday, April 27, 2012 – Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross is responding across Southeast Colorado, where several tornadoes ripped through communities overnight, destroying buildings and downing power lines. Red Cross volunteers will be providing disaster assistance to the families of communities of Prowers and Kiowa Counties in Southeastern Colorado.

“Red Cross trained volunteers will be working with individuals in the affected communities to assess their immediate needs. This will include sheltering, food, comfort kits with hygiene products, replacement of clothing and medications. Clean up kits will also be handed out. Over the next few days our grief and trauma volunteers will be available as this is a difficult time.” said spokesperson Catherine Barde.

A Red Cross Mobile Vehicle has been sent to provide emergency responders with food and snacks in both Prowers and Kiowa Counties.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteers met with family in Chivington, Colorado requesting assistance due to complete loss of home.

Families in the affect communities may contact Pikes Peak Chapter directly for disaster assistance.

Tornado season extends throughout June. It is important to take proactive preparedness steps to ensure the safety of individuals and families. Preparedness can help save lives.

Be Red Cross Ready Checklist:

• Know what emergencies or disasters most likely to occur in the community
• Have a family disaster plan and practice it
• Have an emergency preparedness kit
• Have at least one member of the household trained in first aid and CPR/AED
• Take action to help community prepare

SAFETY STEPS
As people begin to deal with the aftermath of the tornadoes, the Red Cross reminds them to return to their neighborhood only when officials say it is safe to do so. They should also:

• Stay out of damaged buildings. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes.
• Avoid fallen power lines or broken gas lines – immediately report them to the utility companies.
• If someone smells gas or hears a hissing noise, they should open a window, get everyone out of the building immediately and call the gas company or fire department
• Use flashlights, not candles when examining buildings.

The American Red Cross is completing its contributions to the Horn of Africa drought with an additional amount of $736,000 to support programs and recovery efforts in Kenya and Ethiopia. This slow onset disaster began in 2009 and has affected more than 13 million people in five countries.

This brings the total contributions made possible by the generosity of the American people to over $4 million, which have supported relief efforts through out the region. This last allocation of funds will support the Ethiopian Red Cross and the Kenya Red Cross with their drought relief operations and will also provide funding to the Ethiopian Red Cross for disaster risk reduction projects to help mitigate the impact of future disasters.

Though rains have increased across east Africa, a strong spring rainy season is crucial for a more sustained improvement in pasture, crop and livestock conditions.