The American Red Cross of Hancock, Seneca and Wyandot Counties offers their thoughts and concern to everyone in Oklahoma following the horrific tornado early this week. We are working around the clock to provide food and shelter to all those whose lives were affected by these storms.

Red Cross disaster services volunteers and staff throughout the country are responding to the area, assessing damages, providing food and supplies to first responders, and support to the people affected by the storm.

More than 25 emergency response vehicles are on their way to the area from all over the country, and we expect that the number will increase. The Red Cross is also sending in kitchen support trailers to support the upcoming operation to provide meals to those forced out of their homes.

The local American Red Cross of Hancock, Seneca and Wyandot Counties is offering the following ways people can help:

Informational session:
The Red Cross will be holding information sessions on Thursday, May 23, at 6 p.m. for community members interested in volunteering to assist those affected by a disaster in Northwest Ohio and around the country.

Participants will learn the processes and procedures involved for disaster services volunteering including local, regional, and national responses. Following the session, interested parties will receive further volunteer information and background checks before registering for operational training.

Findlay Office 
125 Fair Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840
419-422-9322

Lima Office 
610 South Collett Street, Lima, Ohio 45805
419-227-5121

Toledo Office 
3100 West Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
419-329-2533

SAFE AND WELL
People with loved ones in the areas affected by the tornado are encouraged to search for them at www.redcross.org/safeandwell .

The site is available for people in the areas affected by the storm to let loved ones know that they are safe. It’s important during a disaster that victims of the storm let family and friends know they are safe which can bring others great peace of mind.

TORNADO APP
People should download the free Red Cross Tornado App, available in English or Spanish for all Apple and Android devices. The app allows individuals to prepare for a tornado by testing their skills, offers best practice and tips to respond during a tornado, a list of open shelters during a tornado, and much more.

The app also features a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals the user when a tornado warning has been issued regardless if the app is open. People can call to receive a download link to their mobile phone.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT
This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in Oklahoma and their local community. People who wish to make a donation to support the Red Cross response can visit
www.redcross.org , dial 1-800-REDCROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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  www.redcross.org/hancock , like us on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/hancockcountyredcross or follow us on Twitter at  @HancockRedCross.