What does preparedness mean for the Red Cross in Kansas? Being able to respond to extreme heat and severe weather in one weekend.

The South Central and Southeast Kansas Chapter attended the Frontiers in Flight Air Show at McConnell Air Force Base on Aug. 24 and 25. According to McConnell’s estimate, about 65,000 people attended the two-day air show.

Volunteers and staff set up a table on base with information about volunteering with the Red Cross and activities for kids. On the first day, extreme temperatures resulted in many visitors being treated for heat illness. The Red Cross brought 40 cases of water the next day to pass out during the hottest part of the show.

A severe thunderstorm came through the flight line on Aug. 25 while vendors were setting up, however, and a microburst caused strong winds that overturned smaller airplanes, damaged vendor booths and scattered debris. Ten people were injured.

The second day of the show was canceled due to the damage sustained on the flight line and the danger weather conditions posed to the public.

Several Red Cross volunteers and staff remained on base Sunday to clean up and pass out cold water to everyone working. The 22nd Force Support Squadron’s commander, Col. Melissa Jamison, presented them with two challenge coins to show their thanks — one for planning to provide water during another extreme heat incident, and one for staying to help clean up after the storm.

The South Central and Southeast Kansas Chapter was proud to support McConnell Air Force Base and air show visitors over two days and through very different conditions.
 

You can prepare yourself for disasters and other emergencies:
 

• As the climate crisis worsens and disasters become more frequent and intense, you can help protect your loved ones by being prepared.
• Knowing the local hazards you might face is key. Have multiple ways to stay informed (and consider downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app as one of those ways).
• Make a plan to stay safe and know how you’ll stay connected. Think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you.
  • Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
  • Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.