WHAT NOW? Red Cross tips on what to do after the disaster happens

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – As destruction from tornadoes and powerful storms ripped through Oklahoma and another round of weather lingering into the latest forecasts. Trained Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Sulphur , Ardmore , Marietta , and across Oklahoma to help and support people affected by these storms, according to the Red Cross.

On Tuesday, the Red Cross has released the following information for current needs the organization has in helping those impacted by the severe storms and quick tidbits on what to expect when dealing with recovery efforts.

Red Cross leadership said, “Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and the communities battered by a tornado outbreak over the weekend across Oklahoma, the Great Plains and the South.”

According to The American Red Cross, trained Red Cross disaster workers have opened shelters in Sulphur (Crossway First Baptist Church, 2108 W. Broadway Ave.) and Ardmore (Christ Community Church, 2620 Mt. Washington Road). People who need somewhere to stay, to find food, power or other essentials after these storms can go to these shelter locations. There is no charge for Red Cross services and staying at the shelter is free.

The Red Cross says it is still in the process of disaster assessment in affected communities.
As of Monday night, Red Cross has assisted 29 households with disaster emergency needs, served 516 meals in our shelters, had 29 overnight shelter stays, and distributed almost 400 disaster emergency supply items. This includes readiness and preparation for additional rounds of extreme weather in the forecast later this week. People in need of assistance can go to one of our Red Cross shelter locations in Ardmore or Sulphur, visit redcross.org or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

Red Cross also confirmed, dozens of people evacuated to or spent the night in disaster shelters.

Donation drop-offs have been established at Murray County Expo, 3490 W. Highway 7, Sulphur, Okla.; and the Love County Fairgrounds, 500 N. 2nd Street, Marietta, Okla. Please only bring physical donations to this location. Red Cross says, do not bring physical donations to shelter locations.

Current specific donation requests are:

Bottled water
Diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6
Baby wipes
Cleaning supplies
Trash bags
Nonperishable and individually-packaged food and snacks
Canned food (at the Marietta/Fairgrounds location)
Styrofoam ice chests
Ice
Large, clean, sturdy empty boxes and totes
Wheelbarrows
Work gloves
High-vis vests

Services offered at Red Cross shelters:

A safe place to sleep
Meals, snacks and water
Health services (for disaster-related conditions), such as first aid, refilling lost prescriptions or replacing lost eyeglasses
Emotional support and mental health services
Spiritual care
Help reconnecting with loved ones
Information about disaster-related resources in the community
You can access these services even if you don’t need a place to sleep: anyone with a disaster-related need can visit the shelter to be directed to the appropriate resources.

Staying safe after a tornado the Red Cross gave these tidbits:

Avoid injury

Do not enter damaged buildings.
If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris. Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
Watch out for exposed nails and broken glass.
Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.

Clean up safely

Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves to reduce injuries.
Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
If power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risk.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, basement, garage, tent or camper — or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away — do not delay.

Take care of yourself

It’s normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
You can contact the national SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call 1-800-985-5990.

How to help

Visit redcross.org/donate to make a donation. Before collecting or dropping off donations of clothing or household items, please call the Red Cross to see if these items are needed.

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