Trained Red Cross volunteers from Utah are providing disaster relief in Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas.
Eight trained members of the American Red Cross of Utah disaster team have deployed to states across the Midwest and South on 14-day missions to assist communities impacted by deadly flooding and tornadoes. Red Cross disaster teams are working around the clock in eight states, providing shelter, meals, supplies and emotional support to those in need.
“The tornadoes and flooding have left a lasting impact, displacing families and destroying neighborhoods,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Our teams are committed to helping those affected recover, providing the care and resources they need to move forward. We’ll remain by their side in the coming weeks and months.”
The eight Utah volunteers are from Draper, North Ogden, West Point, Hyde Park, South Jordan, Salt Lake City and Sandy. They are deployed to storm-ravaged communities in Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas.
Red Cross Assisting Across Eight States
The Red Cross is providing safe shelter, meals and emergency supplies in storm-impacted communities in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Indiana. Nearly 800 Red Cross disaster workers from across the country are on the ground, including 40 specialized emergency shelter teams ensuring people have a safe place to stay. Around 80 emergency response vehicles have been deployed or are on standby, ready to assist affected areas.
The danger is far from over. Although rainfall has eased, flooding is expected to persist for several days, even in areas that rarely flood. The National Weather Service warns of catastrophic flash flooding that “puts lives and property in great danger.” Nearly 70 rivers have either reached or are predicted to reach major flood stage this week, threatening to overwhelm structures, roadways and critical infrastructure.
The region also continues to face severe storm risks, with 90 tornadoes already reported across areas from Kansas to Ohio. Additional tornadoes remain possible in the coming days.
Responding Amid Frequent Disasters
The United States experienced 27 weather and climate disasters in 2024, each causing damages exceeding $1 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This came on the heels of a record-breaking 28 billion-dollar disasters in 2023. The increasing frequency and intensity of these emergencies highlight the critical need for prepared communities and dedicated disaster response resources.
Red Cross volunteers remain at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, delivering shelter, meals and emergency assistance to devastated communities facing hurricanes, wildfires, storms and floods. Over the past four decades, the U.S. averaged eight major disasters annually (1980–2022); however, the surge in recent years underscores the urgency of effective disaster preparedness and response.
How to Join the Red Cross Team
Red Cross disaster volunteers receive training to respond to local emergencies like home fires, providing critical immediate support on-site or remotely. With additional experience and training, volunteers may also deploy to larger-scale disasters nationwide. Visit redcross.org/DAT to learn more about disaster response opportunities.
Every day, Red Cross volunteers make a meaningful difference in their communities. From assisting disaster victims to donating blood and teaching lifesaving skills, they play vital roles in helping others. To explore volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
How to Help
Support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts by making a financial contribution. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare, respond and help individuals recover from disasters of all sizes. To contribute, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
