Don’t think a tornado can reach California? It may not, but its effects can be felt by family right here in the Central Valley.
While we think that the devastating events that have take place in Joplin, Missouri which is well over 1400 miles from us, wouldn’t have a local affect on us, one of our own Red Cross volunteers was. Robin Nickels, Disaster Services Volunteer, has in-laws living in that very city. Three years ago, they lost their home to a tornado, and were still recovering from the effects felt during that storm, only to completely lose everything again last night. Luckily, they were able to reach family in Fresno, to let them know they had survived and were relatively safe under the circumstances.
Another Red Cross staff member has family in the affected area as well that raced to their basement when a secondary tornado touched down right outside Joplin. They too, were scared and grateful for a place to be during the destruction, and were able to let family know in Sanger that they were okay.
But are you wondering how you would get ahold of family if this happened where your loved ones lived?
After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. American Red Cross has an up to date system. It is continually manned at Red Cross shelters at disaster locations.
To Register Yourself as “Safe and Well”Click on the “List Myself as Safe and Well” button to register yourself on the site.
Search for Loved OnesConcerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well” by clicking on the “Search Registrants” button. The results of a successful search will display a loved one’s first name, last name and a brief message.
-April Henry, Regional Health & Safety Administrator
