News & Publications

Feb. 6, 2008 - Lee County Red Cross deploys volunteers to tornado relief effort

FORT MYERS–  Across five southern states, Red Cross people and supplies, including two volunteers from the Lee County chapter, are flowing in to provide care and comfort to those affected by the devastating tornadoes. In the tornado-affected communities, Red Cross workers began working last night, and remain on the job, providing shelter, feeding victims and search and rescue workers and lending emotional support to all.
Tom Burden, of Fort Myers, and Frank Boehm, of Cape Coral are preparing for deployment to Nashville, TN on Thursday, Feb. 7. Both are mass care workers and both are certified ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) drivers.
More than 350 people stayed in shelters last night as a rash of 60 tornadoes scarred Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky. Wednesday morning has brought to light the stark realization of damage done. Thus far, news reports indicate that more than 45 people lost their lives, and major damage was sustained to structures in rural and suburban communities alike.
Red Cross chapters within and close to the impacted communities were able to respond immediately, having chapters and supplies already positioned throughout the affected areas. As the need for emergency sheltering and feeding subsides, the Red Cross will offer additional goods and services, such as bulk distribution of clean-up kits and other needed supplies. Also, Red Cross case workers will engage individuals and families to provide additional assistance based on the damage sustained to their homes.
The Red Cross encourages families forced from their homes to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well web site, available at www.redcross.org. On this site, people within a disaster area can register themselves as “safe and well” by selecting and posting standard messages for friends and family. If you are unable to register, you can ask a family member to register on your behalf. Concerned family members who know the sought person’s phone number (home, cell or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who register.