Upstate Hit Hard by Tornadoes

South Carolina Tornadoes
April 2009

Tornadoes and strong winds tore through South Carolina on Friday, April 10th, causing widespread damage and destruction. In the Upstate area, Abbeville and Greenwood Counties were especially hard hit. We are still assessing the extent of the damage.

Quick Facts to Date – April 16, 2009

• Statewide, at least 297 homes sustained damage.

• Over 200 trained Red Cross volunteers have been on the scene since the storms hit, providing shelter, feeding, and client assistance.

• Four Emergency Response Vehicles have provided mobile feeding of meals and snacks to approximately 8,000 people.

• Approximately 150 comfort kits and clean-up kits have been distributed to affected families, providing basic hygiene items like soap, shampoo and deodorant along with household cleaners, mops and brooms.

• Six shelters were opened statewide to provide safe and comfortable lodging for individuals affected by the storms.

• Volunteers and staff are meeting with individual families to assess their immediate needs. We are providing families with food and a safe place to stay, life sustaining medication, infant supplies, and essential toiletries.

• Disaster Health and Mental Health workers are available to assist clients with their needs. In particular, trained mental health workers are providing counseling to help residents cope with the emotional distress that often follows a traumatic event like this devastating storm.

• We anticipate that the cost of this relief effort may exceed $100,000.

• All disaster assistance is provided free of charge. We depend on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission.

• To make a monetary donation to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, call the Upstate Chapter at 864-282-8641 or mail to P.O. Box 9035, Greenville, SC 29604.