Red Cross Responds to Tornadoes in Tennessee

Disasters don’t stop amid COVID-19 outbreak 

The American Red Cross is responding across several states from Texas to Georgia after catastrophic tornadoes touched down in the south over the weekend. Officials said as many as 56 tornadoes were reported this weekend. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Red Cross has new measures in place to deliver help to people in need while also following social distancing guidelines.

In Tennessee, the impact of the severe storms and flooding was experienced across the state with the greatest damage occurring in Hamilton and Bradley counties in Southeast Tennessee. Disaster responders mobilized quickly both on the ground and virtually to provide safe respite, meals, and comfort to displaced families. Health services and mental health support are also available virtually to the families as they cope with the realization of this disaster and begin their recovery.

Joel Sullivan, Regional Executive for the Red Cross of Tennessee, explained,

“The safety of both those displaced and of our disaster workforce while providing critical services is our highest priority,” he said. “We are providing non-congregate sheltering to displaced people to support social distancing in the face of COVID-19. In the coming days we will begin supporting those impacted through virtual casework to identify additional needs.”

The Red Cross is working closely with partners and local emergency management officials to determine what other help is needed. 

You Can Help 

Help the American Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission nationwide amid this public health emergency. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters like the recent southern tornadoes and storms.Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text 'REDCROSS' to 90999 to make a $10 donation.