Southwest Florida families in need of assistance after tornado. Here's how to help

Staff
·2 min read

Volunteers from the American Red Cross Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter have been coordinating with emergency officials to respond to the severe weather and tornado damage in Fort Myers.

The Red Cross is working closely with emergency officials to support one shelter, providing the impacted families a safe place to stay and determine further assistance needed.

The Red Cross will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work closely with local officials to determine any further needs in the community.

Live updates: Strong storms, confirmed tornado slam Southwest Florida with wind damage reported

What we know: A tornado near Fort Myers reached 118 mph and destroyed dozens of homes

118 mph winds: NWS: EF2 tornado touched down in Southwest Florida. Here's what that means.

More storm coverage: Church services went on, cautiously, despite unstable weather

Red Cross volunteers have been trained to follow proper safety procedures and protocols to continue serving communities impacted by local disasters during this global health crisis.

How to help victims of the Fort Myers area tornado

Families in our community, across the country and around the world turn to the Red Cross every day for help because #EmergenciesDontStop. Neighbors still need food, shelter and care after disasters; and military families still need support. Your help is needed to fulfill the urgent needs of our mission today, visit redcross.org/SouthFlorida.

  • Make a financial donation to their local Red Cross to help people affected by home fires and other disasters in the United States and around the world. Visit redcross.org/donate.

  • Visit redcross.org/tornadoes to find safety tips and how to yourself and loved ones from tornadoes.

  • Become a Red Cross volunteer by applying at redcross.org/sflvolunteer.

  • Download the Red Cross Emergency App by visiting redcross.org/apps or texting 'GETEMERGENCY' to 90999. This all-inclusive app combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe. And the Monster Guard mobile app is specially designed for kids, teaching them to prepare for emergencies at home by playing an engaging game.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida tornado damage: How to help as Red Cross offers assistance to Fort Myers families