Our thoughts are with everyone whose lives were changed forever by the horrific and deadly tornadoes that touched down overnight across the center of the country.
The American Red Cross Illinois Region volunteers were put into standby mode early Friday in preparation for expected severe weather. At least 24 catastrophic tornadoes ripped across five states in the dark of night, impacting people in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. Numerous homes and other buildings are destroyed and more than 275,000 customers are without power.
Illinois Region volunteer Steve Wise of New Lenox, IL is the first to deploy out of state to Kentucky to help lead the Mass Care response.
Right now, the Red Cross and our partners are working around the clock across these states to help
those in need and make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies,
emotional support and comfort.
The Red Cross has provided more than 160 blood products to hospitals in response to these devastating
tornadoes. We remain in touch with our hospital partners throughout affected areas and stand ready to
provide additional blood products as needed. Sign up to give soon by going to www.redcrossblood.org.
In the Illinois Region, volunteers are assessing damage reports and supporting our neighboring regions responding in Edwardsville, Illinois. A shelter was opened in Virginia, IL for residents without power seeking a safe, comfortable place to stay.
More tornado safety tips for before, during and after here.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
American Red Cross of Illinois 