Tornado victims in Elizabeth City, N.C are receiving help from Red Cross volunteers from two chapters of the Palmetto SC Region American Red Cross.
One volunteer from Charleston’s Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, and two from the Myrtle Beach Coastal SC Chapter, deployed from Myrtle Beach. While there in Elizabeth City they will provide logistical assistance and operate Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV). According to the American Red Cross, ERV will be used to deliver water and food supplies to those affected by the storm.
On Friday scattered tornadoes made their way through Eastern North Carolina damaging 200 businesses as well as causing several injuries and at least one fatality. During the storm over 10,000 homes reported power outages in the region.
The tornado was rated an EF-3. The last EF-3 to touchdown in that area happened over 158 days ago. Up until Friday, 2014 had been regarded by experts as a “quiet year” in regards to tornadoes.
“Our hearts go out to those affected by Friday’s in North Carolina,” said Louise Welch Williams, chief executive officer of the Palmetto SC Region. “Our neighbors need some additional assistance after these devastating storms, and we are sending people to help and are prepared to send whatever resources they need to recover.”
The severe weather may not be over yet. Another tornado has since torn through Tupelo, MS and other surrounding towns.
The American Red Cross urges everyone to have an emergency plan for severe weather.
“Severe weather can strike anytime and the Red Cross encourages everyone to have a plan.” Said Steve Hudson, a Red Cross regional communications officer. “Please download the free Red Cross Tornado App from the Google Play Store for Android devices or from the app store for Apple. Please visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tornado to learn how to prepare for a tornado and safety tips, and how to recover.”
This year Red Cross has been able to help more than 1,300 people affected by disasters in the Palmetto SC region.
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