Get informed during PA Severe Weather Awareness Week

By Alana Mauger

The American Red Cross joins the National Weather Service (NWS) in observing Severe Weather Awareness Week in Pennsylvania April 15-19, 2024. The educational campaign aims to inform the public about how to prepare for and respond to severe weather events like thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes.

National Weather Service video – Thunderstorm Types

Severe Thunderstorms

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces wind gusts of at least 58 miles an hour or hail stones that are about the size of a quarter. These storms are usually accompanied by heavy rain, lightening and possible tornadoes.

NWS issues watches and warnings to alert the public about severe weather risks.

• A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions in the atmosphere are favorable for thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail to develop in a geographic region. If a watch is issued for your area, consider rescheduling outdoor activities and check for updates throughout the day.

• A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm is happening or is about to happen at your location soon. Warnings typically last less than an hour and may list specific towns that are in the storm’s path. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your area, seek shelter inside immediately and go to an interior room on the lowest level. If you’re driving, pull over to the side of the road until the storm passes.

Outlooks, Watches and Warnings

Watches and warnings can be issued for any severe weather event and apply to the flash flooding and tornado sections below.

In addition to watches and warnings, NWS issues a convective outlook 1-8 days ahead of severe weather to predict the risk for broad regions. Categories of risk include general thunderstorms, marginal, slight, enhanced, moderate and high. The higher the risk, the greater potential for intense and widespread severe storms.

NOOA graphic – A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is happening or will be happening. Some roads will be flooded. Move to higher ground. Never drive through flooded roads. A Flood Watch is issued when flooding is possible. Stay tuned to radio/TV, follow weather.gov and be ready to seek higher ground.

Flash Flooding

Unfortunately, more people are killed by flash floods than by other storm-related weather hazard, with most deaths caused by driving on flooded roads. A flash flood is flooding that happens quickly. During a flash flood, streams, creeks or manmade drainage systems rise rapidly and crest within a few hours as a result of heavy rain. They’re so dangerous because the water rises quickly and can catch people off guard and trap them in dangerous situations.

If you encounter a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN! Don’t drive or walk through flooded areas. It takes only 6 inches of water to knock you off your feet, and 16 inches of water to move a vehicle. Get to higher ground outside of the area prone to flooding and stay informed by monitoring weather alerts. Pay attention to flood warnings and watches.

National Weather Service video – Get Weather Ready During a Tornado

Tornadoes

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground. Wind speeds inside a tornado can range from just under 100 to 300 MPH and can travel as fast as 70 MPH. While Pennsylvania is at a lower risk for tornadoes than areas in the mid-west, they do occur here. In fact, the commonwealth averages around 15 tornadoes per year.

If a tornado warning is issued for your community, seek shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms without windows offer the best protection. Avoid windows and get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress. If you’re at a school, hospital or shopping center, follow directions to a pre-designated shelter area.

If you’re in a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.

Red Cross graphic – Download the Red Cross Emergency App! Monitor over 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Stay Informed

The Red Cross provides a free Emergency App for real-time alerts and proactive planning. This app has been delivering timely and reliable storm emergency information to affected communities since 2015 and was updated last year with new features that provide modern accessibility, customization, and proactive planning guidance. Download it from any app store or visit our website.

Climate Crisis

The climate crisis has led the Red Cross to respond to nearly twice as many large disasters compared to a decade ago. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced an all-time high of 28 billion-dollar plus disasters that ravaged communities and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee from severe storms, floods and wildfires.

With the growing frequency and intensity of disasters driven by the climate crisis, the Red Cross is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country. Visit our Climate Crisis webpage to learn more.

One year after Ida, the McAllister family remains grateful for Red Cross and community support as they continue to rebuild

By Terri Seydel

Lisa McAllister with her twin daughters Caty and Dani on their first day of 11th grade in 2021 just before the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit Southeastern Pennsylvania. Submitted photo

September 1^st of 2021 was no ordinary day for Lisa McAllister’s family. The day began with excitement as twin sisters Caty and Dani headed to the first day of their junior year in high school. It would be a special occasion because the students could finally attend school in person since the COVID pandemic had impacted the past two school years. Meanwhile, Lisa headed to work for a busy day as an Enrolled Agent with October tax deadlines quickly approaching.

But Hurricane Ida had different plans for the day. Lisa started receiving severe weather alerts and headed home to Fort Washington, Pennsylvania where she planned to ride out the storm with her daughters and their high school friend Ava.

Storm damage to the McAllister’s home. Submitted photo

The first tornado warning was issued shortly after she arrived home, so Lisa and the three teenage girls went to the lower level of the house to seek safety. They could see a tornado funnel through one of the windows and heard ‘what sounded like 50 freight trains’ and crashing sounds overhead. Then there was silence, followed by the sound of pouring water. Before they could comprehend what had happened, a second tornado warning sounded, followed by a third. Lisa and the girls huddled close together, fearing for their lives.

The electricity had gone out, and they couldn’t make phone calls for help. So, with no knowledge of when help would arrive, they worked their way upstairs, and reality set in. They could see that trees had crashed through the roof and water was pouring into the house. Realizing that it was not safe to remain in the house, they quickly collected a few basic necessities, including diabetic insulin, passports, and birth certificates, and made their way outside.

What they saw was shocking! Power lines and trees had been blown across roads, and neighboring homes had sustained unbelievable damage.  Lisa and the girls began climbing over debris and trying to walk to safety. During their efforts, they came across two neighbors they had never met: the Littletons. 

Storm damage to the McAllister’s home. Submitted photo

Fortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Littleton’s home had been spared during the storm and they were out canvassing the neighborhood to see who needed help. The Littletons realized that Lisa and the three girls were having difficulty getting to safety and communicating with family and friends. So, even though they were complete strangers, the Littletons welcomed Lisa and the girls into their home for the night. They provided them with food, shelter, and a phone to call Lisa’s husband and Ava’s parents.

The next morning, Lisa and the girls walked through the unrecognizable neighborhood, the devastation was everywhere. But that day marked a new beginning. The community came together to help each other with food, money, supplies, and encouragement. Just as the Littletons helped strangers in their time of need, the American Red Cross quickly engaged the Disaster Recovery teams of volunteers to help the victims of Hurricane Ida.

During the aftermath of Ida, more than 3000 Red Cross volunteers from all over the country worked tirelessly to provide disaster relief services. The relief services included emergency lodgings, food, basic necessities, access to medicine, and financial assistance to more than 12,000 storm victims.

Storm damage to the McAllister’s home. Submitted photo

Lisa shared that she had always admired the American Red Cross but hadn’t developed a full appreciation of the breadth of disaster services that the Red Cross provides. Red Cross volunteers contacted her family immediately after the storm to assess their needs and offer assistance. They provided access to emergency funding for immediate needs and continued to check in with Lisa over the following months.

Lisa’s family is now in the process of rebuilding their home. She is thankful that her daughters witnessed and benefitted from so much kindness from their community and the Red Cross volunteers. Through this experience, they learned there are many honest and good-hearted people in this seemingly negative world.

Once Lisa is back in her home, she plans to pay the kindness forward through the American Red Cross in some meaningful way. She saw firsthand just how important the Red Cross volunteers are and how much they help families in need. 

Check out Red Cross volunteer opportunities if you’re interested in volunteering your time or making a contribution to help with future disaster needs.

One year after Ida, Desiree Nicholls recalls her narrow escape

By Terri Seydel

Flood water in Hatboro Township around Desiree’s home. Submitted photo

Hurricane Ida caught a lot of people by surprise in 2021, as it turned out to be the second most devastating hurricane in the United States. The storm originated from a tropical wave in the Caribbean Sea on August 23rd and reached Louisiana by August 29th as a category four storm.

Ida accelerated and caused tornado outbreaks and catastrophic flooding as it moved inland. The storm became classified as a post-tropical cyclone as it entered Northeastern states. Pennsylvania alone endured at least seven tornados and devastating flooding. Hundreds of families had to evacuate their homes, and it happened fast!

Desiree Nicholls and her nephew were one such family. By the time they realized the area creeks were rising, the water had already risen to the level of their front door. They only had time to gather their pets, their six foster kittens, their credentials, and a laptop. Desiree recalls wading through 4 feet of water as they evacuated her home with only the clothes on their backs and no food or supplies.

Desiree works for the U.S. Customs Department and lives in Hatboro Township near the Pennypacker watershed area, which includes 50 miles of creeks that were no match for the speed and volume of Ida’s rainfall. The relentless rain caused severe flooding at a pace that no one expected.

Flood water in Hatboro Township around Desiree’s home. Submitted photo

It took Desiree a couple of days to find long-term housing and alternative foster care for the kittens. She eventually connected with the American Red Cross to access additional disaster relief services and remembers one special Red Cross volunteer named Donna, who went out of her way to assist Desiree with a required home assessment for FEMA eligibility.

After living in hotels for more than four months, Desiree is happy to be back home but is still navigating repairs, sorting through the few possessions that survived the flood, and making long-term housing plans. Desiree recalls her experience with the Red Cross as a “phenomenal experience.” She’s very thankful to the Red Cross volunteers, the local police officers, and the rescue workers that helped her and her neighbors through the emergency.

During the aftermath of Ida, more than 3000 Red Cross volunteers from all over the country worked tirelessly to provide disaster relief services such as emergency lodgings, food, basic necessities, and financial assistance to more than 12,000 storm victims.

Each year the American Red Cross depends on its volunteers to provide disaster relief services for more than 60,000 emergencies. Learn how you can become a volunteer and help people in your own community.

Flood water in Hatboro Township around Desiree’s home. Submitted photo

Red Cross helps thousands one month after Ida hits Northeast

By Dave Skutnik

The Manayunk Trail Bridge after Ida caused record flooding of the Schuylkill River. Photo by Wayne Brew.

It’s been more than a month since the remnants of Hurricane Ida brought record flooding and at least five tornadoes to Southeastern Pennsylvania. Massive flooding occurred along the Brandywine Creek in Chester County, the Perkiomen Creek in Montgomery County and the Schuylkill River in both Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. In the City of Philadelphia, the flooding was the worst along the Schuylkill since 1869.

For more than two weeks following the storm, Red Cross volunteers worked 24/7 to provide safe shelter, food and relief supplies to people affected.

Four deaths were also attributed to the storm, and the Red Cross mobilized integrated condolence care teams to provide support to families who lost a loved one.

Red Cross disaster workers assess damage in Coatesville. Photo by Jennifer Graham.

Red Cross disaster teams also worked with closely with local officials to help assess the damage left behind. Red Cross disaster workers found that more than 900 homes received either major damage or were destroyed across Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

The American Red Cross continues to work with our partners to provide help to people struggling with the heartbreaking damage left behind. A month later, Red Cross disaster workers are focused on helping people through the complicated recovery process. Volunteer caseworkers with the Red Cross are connecting people with resources and referrals to help them get back on their feet.

Thanks to our generous donors, the Red Cross is getting emergency financial assistance into the hands of residents whose homes were severely impacted by Ida. This assistance is critical, as a 2019 study showed that nearly 40% of U.S. adults would need to borrow money or sell personal items to cover an unexpected expense of $400 or more.

The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Large disasters like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes are increasing in frequency and intensity. You can help people affected by disasters by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Simply reach out to your Red Cross relationship manager. People can also visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Navigating the MARC: A next step in Ida recovery

A Red Cross disaster worker meets with impacted residents at the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 8. Photo by Alana Mauger

By Alana Mauger

This week, the American Red Cross is participating in several MARCs – an acronym that has become very familiar for those individuals and families impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. A MARC – or a Multi-Agency Resource Center – is a one-stop shop for those in need of services to help them begin recovery.

Chester County residents pick up Red Cross clean-up kits on Sept. 9 at the Chester County MARC. Photo by Donn Greenberg.

The Red Cross participated in MARCs in Montgomery County at the Intermediate Unit in Norristown and in Chester County at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown on Sept. 8 and 9. The Red Cross will also participate in a MARC at the Gustine Recreation Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 and 11 (noon- 8 p.m.).    

Red Cross disaster workers prepare to staff the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Elisabeth Von Baldas.

But what really happens at a MARC? For the Red Cross, MARCs allow disaster workers to meet face-to-face (with masks, of course) with impacted residents to 1) open casework for those who qualify; 2) connect with Red Cross disaster workers in the field to conduct damage assessment on properties not yet surveyed; and 3) provide relief items like clean-up kits, snacks, water and toys for children. Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteers are also on hand to help residents replace medical items that may have been lost or damaged.

Red Cross disaster worker Janice Thomas meets with a client at the Chester County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Dave Skutnik.

In addition to the Red Cross, participating agencies have included the Salvation Army, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, ACLAMO, Victim Services of Montgomery County, PennDOT, Your Way Home, Community Connections, Veteran’s Affairs, CareerLink, Pennsylvania Insurance Commission, SEPTA, National Flood Insurance Program and county and local emergency management agencies, among others.

Red Cross Southeastern PA CEO Guy Triano and Disaster External Relations Lead Janice Winston talk with Montgomery County Commissioners Dr. Val Arkoosh and Ken Lawrence Jr. at the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Alana Mauger.

Three Red Cross Shelters Closing; Disaster Recovery Services Available at Montgomery County Resource Center this Week

Shelter cots at a Red Cross Shelter at Coatesville Senior High School. Photo by Alana Mauger

By Dave Skutnik

As residents began to be able to return home or transition to other temporary lodging arranged by government partners, the American Red Cross will be closing shelters tonight in West Philadelphia, Coatesville and Quakertown.

The Red Cross shelter at Norristown High School will remain open through the holiday weekend. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come to the high school, located at 1900 Eagle Drive in Norristown, Montgomery County. They can also call 1-800-RED CROSS for assistance.

Red Cross disaster workers serve lunch at Norristown Area High School shelter.

Since Wednesday’s storm, the Red Cross has provided more than 150 overnight shelter stays in Southeastern Pennsylvania and served more than one thousand meals and snacks to those in need. This weekend, nearly 100 Red Cross disaster workers have been focused on providing safe shelter, food and comfort to people affected by the storm.

Red Cross disaster workers Danelle Stoppel and Corey Stradling assess damage Sunday in Coatestville. Photo by Judith Weeks.

Red Cross teams are also working closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need in the coming days and weeks. In areas where people are cleaning up, the Red Cross has distributed hundreds of relief supplies, like mops, bleach, buckets and trash bags. That work will continue into the upcoming week.

Also this week, Red Cross disaster recovery caseworkers will be staffing a multi-agency resource center in Montgomery County. Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing process, and it’s not always easy for survivors to find the help they need. The resource center will bring community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At this site, people can learn about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives.

The multi-agency resource center will be open at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit located at 2 W. Lafayette Street in Norristown. Hours will be 12 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 9. The Red Cross plans to offer casework, relief supplies and emotional support.

Red Cross disaster worker Jeff Moran delivers clean-up kits to residents who live along the Schuylkill Canal in Port Providence, Montgomery County on Saturday. Photo by Alana Mauger.

Families are struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800- RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Below are some safety tips for families that may be cleaning up this weekend:

FLOOD CLEANUP SAFETY

• Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, when cleaning.
• Be careful when moving furnishings or debris, because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
• Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
• Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.

Red Cross helps region recover after Ida unleashes tornados and historic flooding

The Vine Street Expressway remains underwater closed after flooding Wednesday night. Photo by Siobhan Keefe.

by Dave Skutnik and Alana Mauger

The American Red Cross is working around the clock this holiday weekend to provide care and comfort to people after Hurricane Ida brought devastating storms and flooding from the Gulf Coast to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this past week.

Across Southeastern Pennsylvania, at least six tornados touched down in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties Wednesday evening, causing significant damage and power outages. The storm also brought 6-10 inches of rain across the five-county region, causing major flash flooding and record crests on several waterways.

Since Wednesday, the Red Cross has provided more than 125 shelter stays in Southeastern Pennsylvania and served hundreds of meals and snacks to those in need. As of Friday evening, shelters remain open at the following locations:

• Philadelphia: West Philadelphia High School – 4901 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
• Bucks County: Upper Bucks YMCA – 401 Fairview Ave., Quakertown
• Chester County: Coatesville High School – 1445 Lincoln Highway E., Coatesville
• Montgomery County: Norristown High School – 1900 Eagle Drive, Norristown

People whose homes are unlivable after the storm are encouraged to visit one of the Red Cross shelter locations listed above to check-in with a Red Cross disaster worker. They can also call 1-800-RED CROSS for assistance.

A sign directs people to the Red Cross shelter at Coatesville Senior High School. Photo by Alana Mauger.

The Red Cross has also mobilized integrated condolence care teams to provide support to families who lost a loved one. Comprised of trained Red Cross volunteers specializing in mental health, health services and casework, these teams can help families cope and provide financial support if needed.

Families are struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800- RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Red Cross disaster workers assist clients at a shelter at Norristown Area High School. Photo by Dave Skutnik.

Right now, more than 85 Red Cross disaster workers are focused on providing safe shelter, food and comfort to people who can’t return home. Red Cross teams are also working closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need in the coming days and weeks. In areas where are cleaning up, the Red Cross is distributing cleaning supplies like mops, bleach, buckets and trash bags. That work will continue throughout the Labor Day weekend.

Power lines litter the street in front of Upper Dublin High School near where a tornado touched down Wednesday night. Photo by Dave Skutnik.

Below are some safety tips for families that may be cleaning up this weekend or still dealing with power outages.

FLOOD CLEANUP SAFETY

• Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, when cleaning.
• Be careful when moving furnishings or debris, because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
• Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
• Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY

• Use flashlights in the dark — not candles.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will likely be congested.
• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment and appliances. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
• Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
• When inside your home, never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices. This also applies to your garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outside away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.

Red Cross disaster workers supply clean-up kits at the shelters for residents who need them. Photo by Alana Mauger

Red Cross responds after a tornado tears through Lower Bucks County

By Dave Skutnik and Alana Mauger

Trained Red Cross disaster workers conduct damage assessment in Bensalem Township on July 30.

It’s been a July to forget in Lower Bucks County, with a violent tornado striking just two weeks after a devastating flash flood.

The tornado struck Bensalem Township just after 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29, crossing six lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the tail end of rush hour before moving on to destroy several commercial buildings, causing several injuries. Fortunately, everyone is expected to be okay.

Several homes suffered severe damage when a tornado tore through Bensalem Township Thursday.

The tornado then continued tearing a path through a residential area, including at least two mobile home parks where several homes were destroyed. Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt.

Part of a Pennsylvania Turnpike sign landed in a back yard in Bensalem Township.

The Red Cross was on the ground within minutes after the storm, first opening a temporary evacuation center at Neshaminy Mall and then an overnight shelter at Neshaminy High School. There, residents had a safe, dry place to stay as well as the ability to charge devices, and grab snacks and water.

Trained Red Cross disaster volunteers operate a temporary evacuation center at Neshaminy Mall on July 29.

One resident from Penn Valley Terrace who came by the shelter Friday described her family’s harrowing experience.

“The power went out, and it was pouring. Then, it got quiet, almost beautiful out. The next minute, we heard what sounded like a freight train and everything was flying in the air,” she described, noting how one corner of her trailer “lifted up” before slamming back down with a “big boom.” “We can now see the turnpike,” she said. “There are no trees.”

Four people spent the night at the Red Cross shelter at Neshaminy High School, with others stopping in to get out of the heat, charge their phones and pick up water and snacks.

According to the National Weather Service, this tornado was the strongest in Pennsylvania since 2004 and the strongest ever recorded in Bucks County. Records date back to 1950.

Red Cross teams were out assessing damage the day after the storm, working with our government partners and displaced residents to determine what kind of help is needed.

Trained Red Cross disaster workers conduct damage assessment in Bensalem Township on July 30.

The tornado comes on the heels of a flooding event on July 12 that left hundreds of homes with water damage. The Red Cross spent the past two-plus weeks helping residents affected by that storm.

It is work that will continue in the days and weeks ahead, providing much-needed comfort and hope to storm-weary residents.

Red Cross disaster workers unpack supplies at Neshaminy High School on Thursday night.

You Give Us 140 Characters… We’ll Help Keep you Safe

I didn’t really start using Twitter until being deployed with the Red Cross to the Boston Marathon disaster a year ago. I was never a fan. Now, it’s not only part of my day but a large part of my response to disasters.

This weekend I was a #DigiVol (Digitally Deployed Volunteer) for the @Redcross (American Red Cross). We were 1,200 miles away from the disaster zone, but still helping to make a difference. It was a short but wild adventure.

As tornadoes and thunderstorms bore down on the Midwest, our job was to take to social media and promote preparedness and safety. Our intention was to engage people to help calm and guide them.

For my shift, I was handed the keys to @RedcrossNETexas (The Official Twitter of NE Texas and SW Arkansas) and sent out on my mission. Watching weather radar, media outlets, and other posts from tornado chasers, I promoted the Red Cross Tornado App and gave tips on how to prepare and respond to the storm. My partners for the day, @Telesara (Sara Smith) and @Mindy_Hart (Mindy Hart) were also from Philadelphia.

I went for quite a spin around the block with the account. Hashtags — symbols placed in front of a word to help Twitter organize different topics — were flying. Some were obvious… #helpme, #scared, #missing, #disaster, and some were not. For example, #NoRotation came to designate clouds not moving in a twisting funnel.

We engaged scared people by telling them it was alright to be scared and guiding them on what to do next. All the while, we watched the destruction start to hit national news. It’s a very scary, hopeless feeling. You just want to do more. At the end of the shift, Sara and I guided a young middle school student on how to find her uncle amidst a destroyed town using #safeandwell, the Red Cross database to help let loved ones know you are okay.

Later, I was listening to a storm chaser on a radio feed talking to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Little Rock, AR. He was with a pastor from the Antioch Baptist Church in Conway, AR. They were opening a shelter there to provide immediate cover for victims who had just lost their homes. Another round of bad weather was on the way. The phones were down and they couldn’t get in touch with the Red Cross. They needed our help. The NWS wasn’t able to get in touch with Red Cross yet either.

I told Sara what I’d heard. She said she saw the Red Cross communicator near Conway online. I gave her all the information, and we relayed it to Arkansas from Philly. A few minutes later, a Handheld Amateur Radio Operator (HAM) with our team in Arkansas was on the air advising people in Conway that they’d gotten the message and were sending them Red Cross teams and supplies. We had made a difference to immediate disaster victims from 1,200 miles away.

Now, a day later, the Digital Volunteers of @RedCrossPhilly are still watching over the people of the Midwest. We stand ready, waiting to respond, to help them recover, using the best communications methods at our disposal.

In person, at the scene of the disaster, or in the virtual world of cyberspace, our mission remains the same: Help alleviate the suffering of victims of disaster.

Posted by Volunteer @PWine_1_1 (Peter Wine)

Oklahoma: Your local Red Cross in the news

We are very proud of the work the Red Cross does here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, but also across the country. But we already know we do great work. We are grateful when that work is recognized in the media locally and nationally. Below are links to just some of the many news stories about Southeastern Pennsylvania’s response to the Oklahoma tornado. We will add more as we deem appropriate.

6ABC is at the airport as American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania volunteer Joe Cirillo leaves for Oklahoma City (05/26/13)

Fox 29 profiles the American Red Cross tornado app

6ABC summarizes the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania’s initial response to Oklahoma tornado

NBC 10 profiles the two SEPA workers leaving to help with Red Cross Oklahoma relief efforts

CEO appears on Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia.

Extensive story about Red Cross response on national news outlet Ebru TV that features Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross

NBC 10 story on Southeastern PA Red Cross volunteers on their way to help out

6ABC story on Southeastern PA overall response, including tornado app explanation

CBSPhilly story about volunteer leaving from the airport.

Philly Daily News article about volunteer deploying to Oklahoma

WJLA TV in Washington, DC did a feature on the national American Red Cross disaster operations center. But one of our staff members and frequent blogger here, is helping with Oklahoma relief there. You’ll see her a few times in this clip. She’s the one wearing the hat