Disaster-trained team members with the American Red Cross of South Carolina continue to help dozens of people after strong storms, multiple tornadoes and heavy rain ripped through parts of South Carolina on Monday morning.
Currently, the Red Cross of South Carolina continues to help shelter more than 200 people in hotels across the state. Over the pas five days, we have been able to provide nearly 1,500 meals and snacks to those in need. In addition, we are assisting nearly 200 with financial assistance after damage assessment reports.
Damage assessment continues in affected communities. Red Cross case workers continue to work with families affected to meet their immediate disaster caused needs. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our response is adjusted but our mission remains the same. We are conducting a large portion of our response virtually and conducting mobile damage assessment.
We are committed to helping those impacted recover from these storms. If you need help due to this storm, please call 1-800-REDCROSS.
There is potential for severe storms late Sunday and into Monday for parts of our state, and the Red Cross is urging families to prepare. The Red Cross urges everyone to pick a safe room in their home 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.
After Severe Weather:
• If power lines are down outside your home, don't step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company.
• If the power is out, use a flashlight. Don't use any candles or open flames for lighting.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, leave the property immediately and get far away from it. Call the fire department after you reach safety.
DOWNLOAD APPS People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. It is available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.
HOW TO HELP Help people affected by disasters and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER To join us, visit redcross.org today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC
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