WNC Red Cross volunteers deploy to Missouri

Press release:

Additional Volunteers from Western NC Red Cross Deploy

Six Red Cross Volunteers from Western North Carolina Region Deploying to Assist in Missouri

(ASHEVILLE, N.C. – May 3, 2017) – The American Red Cross Western North Carolina Region is deploying three additional volunteers to Missouri to assist individuals and families impacted by severe weather and flooding. This brings the total number of volunteers deployed from our region to six.

The American Red Cross is helping people in six states affected by record severe storms, flooding and tornadoes in southern Plains and Mississippi Valley regions over the weekend. More than 230 people sought refuge from the storms Sunday night in 25 shelters across six states. There have been as many as 10 reported fatalities, although that figure is expected to rise as more severe weather is predicted through early next week and rivers continue to rise above flood level, especially in Missouri and Illinois. The Red Cross is monitoring the situation and will be ready to respond as needed.

The local volunteers deploying Thursday morning are Constance Keller from Mooresville, John “Ed” Faucette from Etowah, and Richard Lewis from Concord. They will be assisting as case workers assisting clients with needed resources and recovery plans, and as government liaisons working with partner agencies to evaluate response capacity and needs.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted by this weekend’s deadly weather,” said Angela A. Broome, regional executive officer for the Western North Carolina Region. “Spring can be a time for devastating weather. It is the peak time of year for flooding, tornadoes and other severe storms. We urge our neighbors and communities to prepare now so should our region be threatened, we are ready.”

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

VOLUNTEERING The time and talent of every volunteer makes a real difference in people’s lives. Those interested in volunteering should visit www.redcross.org/nc today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

HOW YOU CAN HELP The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to fulfill its crucial mission. Help people affected by disasters like floods, wildfires and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. These gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Make a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift.

You also may help by donating blood. Blood collection in areas impacted by storms such as these drops significantly yet need often increases. Visit redcrossblood.org for a collection location or blood drive near you.

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 redcross.org/NC.