Tornado Response in Fort Myers – What the Red Cross Has Done to Help

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 22, 2022) – Over the past week, the American Red Cross Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter has been responding to the severe weather and tornado damage in Fort Myers.

The Red Cross has had over 45 volunteers and staff on the ground, provided over 2,000 meals to those impacted with three emergency response vehicles, distributed over 1,000 disaster emergency supplies and kits, and made nearly 200 disaster health services, disaster mental health and spiritual care contacts.

“It has been inspiring to see this community come together and volunteers from all over the South Florida Region provide relief and comfort,” said Jill Palmer, Executive Director of the Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter. “Red Cross volunteers are true humanitarians that selflessly give day in and day out. They continue to stand up, show up and provide help to those that need it most.”

Red Cross volunteers have been trained to follow proper safety procedures and protocols to continue serving communities impacted by local disasters during this global health crisis.

Families in our community, across the country and around the world turn to the Red Cross every day for help because #EmergenciesDontStop. Neighbors still need food, shelter and care after disasters; and military families still need support. Your help is needed to fulfill the urgent needs of our mission today, visit redcross.org/SouthFlorida.

HOW PEOPLE CAN TAKE ACTION:

• Visit redcross.org/tornadoes to find safety tips and how to yourself and loved ones from tornadoes.
• Become a Red Cross volunteer by applying at redcross.org/sflvolunteer. 
• Download the Red Cross Emergency App by visiting redcross.org/apps or texting 'GETEMERGENCY' to 90999. This all-inclusive app combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe. And the Monster Guard mobile app is specially designed for kids, teaching them to prepare for emergencies at home by playing an engaging game.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.