Last Updated on May 24, 2017 7:32 pm
(CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 24, 2017) – American Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers from the Charlotte Metro Chapter are responding where a possible tornado touched down between Swann Road and US-64 in eastern Iredell County near the Davie County line. At least two homes are reported to be destroyed and up to 30 more damaged, with up to 10 people displaced. The Red Cross is conducting damage assessments and providing immediate assistance. Iredell County Emergency Management is coordinating all emergency responses.
“Tornadoes are violent and can be deadly,” said Jerri Jameson, Regional Communications Officer, Red Cross Western North Carolina Region. “While they are most common in the Plains states, they can happen anywhere. We encourage our community to always heed the warnings of weather officials and download the Red Cross Emergency App for weather alerts and safety tips.”
Safety recommendations include:
Taking shelter in a basement or underground shelter if a tornado is imminent. If one is not available, go to a small, windowless, interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe wind storms. Do not seek shelter in a bathroom or hallway in a mobile home. If someone in a mobile home has access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, they should leave the mobile home immediately and go to the shelter or vehicle. Be sure to use a seat belt if driving. If flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows. If you have a blanket or clothing, cover yourself. If you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, exit your vehicle and lie in that area covering your head with your hands.
Additional information may be found here:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340177_Tornado.pdf
The Red Cross Emergency App may be downloaded here:
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps
