Story: Red Cross is here for the long haul

May 23, 2011

This story is written by Red Cross volunteer Allen Crabtree.

Mississippi Floods 2011

Not since the Great Flood of 1927 have the Mississippi River and its tributaries risen so high nor spread so wide. Tens of thousands of residents from Illinois to Louisiana have been forced from their homes and entire communities have been inundated. Flood waters will not recede for several weeks, into June. The Mississippi flooding was preceded by the deadliest tornado outbreak since 1925 that killed hundreds across seven states and demolished countless homes and businesses.

The Red Cross has been there from the beginning of these huge natural disasters, helping those impacted by the tornadoes and flooding, and will continue to be there while the waters recede and people return to their homes and a normal life.

The Mississippi floods are a disaster of epic proportions, but they have also been a disaster moving in slow motion. The rivers have risen slowly and waters have relentlessly covered homes and fields at a deliberate pace. People and communities have had time to react, moving their possessions to higher ground and evacuating in an orderly manner with thankfully little loss of life.

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Photos: Red Cross Responds in Mississippi

May 5, 2011

MISSISSIPPI MAY 4 004

MISSISSIPPI MAY 4 021 MISSISSIPPI MAY 4 017

See entire 2011 Spring Tornadoes set on Flickr >>


Photo: Mississippi Storm Response

April 5, 2011

Japan Earthquake 2011

Photo Credit : East Central Mississippi Chapter Volunteer

Dempsey Brady and his family gathered in the hallway as the storms from Monday night ripped through the Ellisville, MS area. They were safely in the hallway when the storm tore the roof off of their home. They were very thankful for the Red Cross visiting with them to meet their immediate emergency needs.


Disaster Alert: Severe Weather Reported in Southern States

April 5, 2011

Disaster Alert

Louisiana – Severe storms passed throughout the state and destroyed homes, damaged others and caused power outages that affected thousands of residents on Monday.

The Southeast Louisiana and Acadiana Area Red Cross Chapters deployed Disaster Action Team members, placed a shelter on stand-by, and assisted disaster victims as needed.

 

Mississippi – Severe storms damaged homes and buildings, leaving thousands of residents throughout the state without power on Monday.

Disaster Action Team members from the Northeast Mississippi Chapter opened a shelter and provided assistance to evacuees as needed.

 

Tennessee – Strong storms destroyed or damaged dozens of homes and left more than 100,000 residents without power throughout the central portion of the state on Monday.

The Nashville Area Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team members, opened a shelter, placed others on stand-by and staffed local Emergency Operations Center.

The Greater Chattanooga Area Chapter staffed the county Emergency Operations Center and is monitoring situation to provide response, if necessary.

 

Kentucky – Severe storms passed throughout the state and destroyed homes, damaged others, downed trees and power lines on Monday.  One reported injury.

All Chapters in the affected areas, including the Louisville Area and Bluegrass Chapters, deployed Disaster Action Team members and provided assistance to victims as needed.

 

North Carolina – Severe weather passed throughout the state damaging homes, downing trees and causing power outage to almost 130,000 residents.

The Rutherford County and Asheville-Mountain Area chapters are monitoring the situation and continuing to do Disaster Assessment and provide assistance as needed.


Story: Red Cross a Blessing

March 10, 2011

This story is written by Tamica Smith-Jeuitt, a Red Cross worker from the Mississippi chapter.

Mississippi Tornado, March 2011
Gloria Payton and her mother Ethel Stamps are survivors of the tornado that touched down in Hinds County, Mississippi on March 8, 2011.

One day before her mother’s 84th birthday, Gloria Payton is counting her blessings after surviving a tornado and for the Red Cross workers giving her family food. Payton, her mother and two other relatives were at home when they heard a sound similar to a train and strong winds in the middle night. When the noise stopped, they were in the dark, with a leaking roof, and snapped pine trees scattered across their yard in Edwards, MS.

Payton said she never called the Red Cross for help and was surprised when their emergency response vehicle drove up to her house shortly after the storm.

“All I knew was they had to be here to help and I certainly appreciated that,” said Payton.


Disaster Alert: Severe Weather in Mississippi

March 10, 2011

Disaster Alert

Mississippi – Strong winds and rain damaged structures in North Long Beach, North Gulf Port and a trailer park in Biloxi yesterday.

Mississippi Capital River Chapter placed an Emergency Response Vehicle and necessary resources on standby. The chapter will be doing Disaster Assessment when conditions permit.


Photos: Tornado in Mississippi

March 10, 2011

Tornado in Mississippi March 2011

Tornado in Mississippi March 2011 Tornado in Mississippi March 2011 Tornado in Mississippi March 2011 Tornado in Mississippi March 2011

See entire “2011 Spring Tornadoes” set on Flickr >>


Story: Family starts from scratch again with help from the Red Cross

March 10, 2011

This story is written by Megan Burkes, a Red Cross worker in Mississippi.

Harrison County Tornado - 3/9/11

Howard Stewart and his fiancé, Esmeralda Layton were dealt another devastating blow this morning when their mobile home was destroyed by severe weather that ripped through South Mississippi. This is the second time Stewart and Layton have sorted through their belongings having lost everything to Hurricane Katrina five years ago.

“This is a bigger mountain than we are ready to climb,” says Stewart, “But, we are lucky to be alive.” Stewart was at work when the severe weather came through and Esmeralda was at the gym working out. Both consider this a great blessing after seeing the state of their home.

Both thank the Red Cross for the quick response to their needs. “The Red Cross has made sure we have what we need for the next few days, a place to stay, food, clothing and shoes. It’s a big help, we have nothing,” says Stewart.


Disaster Update: Tornadoes in Mississippi

January 4, 2011

Disaster Update

Mississippi – The American Red Cross of Mississippi is meeting the disaster-caused needs of families affected by tornadoes that went through the state on New Year’s Eve.

As of January 4, 2011, the Red Cross:

has publicized an assistance phone number statewide.
has case workers visiting affected neighborhoods.
is assisting about 50 families.
has provided more than 1300 meals and snacks.
has about 50 workers assigned to the job.
Anyone with emergency needs because of the New Year’s Eve tornadoes in Mississippi should call 601-353-5442.

This latest outbreak of twisters makes the fourth significant tornado incident in eight months for Mississippi. Each time, the Red Cross responds by offering shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support for the families involved.


Disaster Alert: Tornadoes in Mississippi

January 1, 2011

Disaster Alert

Mississippi – On New Years Eve, a handful of tornadoes ripped across the state causing damage to 7 counties.

The American Red Cross of Mississippi currently has teams assessing the damage, shelters on standby, and caseworkers preparing to provide immediate assistance in the form of shelter, food and clothing to those that were affected by the storms.


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