Red Cross assisting with recovery after devastating tornadoes

Red Cross volunteers respond to five home fires in Rock Island, Knox, Marion, Fulton and Scott Counties this past week

Quad Cities, IA/IL- Volunteers with the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded to five home fires in the past week and in Moline, Astoria, Creve Coeur, Galesburg, Philadelphia and Bettendorf. Red Cross volunteers helped 30 people with temporary housing, meals, health services, disaster mental health services, financial assistance and information about recovery planning.

A fire can take a home in as little as two minutes. Therefore, escaping in less than two minutes can be the difference between survival and tragedy. The American Red Cross encourages everyone to talk to their children about fire safety to help families stay safe and prepared.

Tornado Response Update

Also, this week, Red Cross volunteers offered help with recovery planning to communities impacted by the devastating tornadoes that took place last week and yesterday in Salem, Sherman, Robinson, Northwest Illinois, Northwest Indiana, as well as several towns in Fulton County. Over the weekend and this week, Red Cross volunteers completed disaster assessment, provided disaster emergency supplies, disaster health services, disaster mental health and disaster spiritual care to residents affected by the tornadoes. If you need assistance after this or any disaster, including a home fire please call our dispatch line: 1-877-597-0747.

How You Can Help

This is the second time in two weeks that tornadoes and severe storms have uprooted lives and devastated entire communities. Families need help now. You can make a difference in the lives of people affected by tornadoes and storms in the South and Midwest. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-7332767) or text the word TORNADO to 90999 to make a $10 donation.