CLEVELAND — The American Red Cross is recruiting trained disaster workers in Northern Ohio to assist in the tornadoes that have devastated the Midwest and south.
The workers, mostly volunteers, are being recruited to help distribute food, water and relief supplies. The Red Cross is sending two emergency response vehicles to help.
Large relief efforts in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri have been launched by the Red Cross.
Saturday night, the Red Cross had at least eight emergency shelters open in Kentucky providing refuge to around 190 people, with shelters also open in Tennessee, the organization said.
Right now, the Red Cross is in the process of staffing the emergency vehicles and are working to establish a number of volunteers being sent to the areas affected.
The Red Cross said it will be out assisting for as long as they are needed, knowing families will need support for weeks to come.
Additionally, the Red Cross has provided around 200 blood products to area hospitals in response to the tornadoes.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union that he has received reports that show more than 80 people in the state were killed.
Those looking to donate blood can click here or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Volunteers willing to be trained and to be deployed to future disasters can click here or call 216-431-3328 to apply. A two week commitment is typical.
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