6:00: Morning News

American Red Cross helping in the wake of severe weather

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Severe storms are expected to continue Tuesday with the possibility of a tornado.

This comes after Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued a state of emergency in Wood, Webster, and Braxton counties following severe flooding that began Sunday.

Lincoln County was also severely effected, with as many as 75 homes and businesses damaged by high water.

The American Red Cross has been called out to help those who have fallen victim to the severe weather. Tammy Whitacre, the Major Gifts Officer of the American Red Cross in Morgantown, was called to help in Parkersburg.

“By 4 a.m. Monday morning there were between 18 to 20 people literally in a fire house with nothing but a Red Cross blanket on,” Whitacre said.

By Tuesday afternoon, Whitacre said 30 families in the Parkersburg area needed assistance.

“One woman was swept down the road as her husband was watching her. You can’t even imagine. They don’t have their clothes. They don’t have their medication. They don’t have their medication. Any monetary donation that can help us help these individuals is so impactful,” Whitacre told WAJR in Morgantown.

While there is a process needed to become a volunteer, Whitacre said the donations and just word of mouth can go a long way.

“Sign up as a volunteer. That’s amazing,” she encouraged, “You can make donations online that completely go to the families and this disaster relief. Just start talking about it. Be more aware.”

You can download the American Red Cross Emergency app to keep up with severe weather in your area. To donate or sign up to volunteer, go to redcross.org.

Audio – Tammy Whitacre – Major Gifts Officer of the American Red Cross in Morgantown





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