The American Red Cross requested two Altus residents to respond to the tornado relief operation that continues in North Texas. Red Cross Disaster Response Specialist Rosalyn Hall and Disaster Action Team Volunteer Steve Grayson are working with more than 150 other Red Cross volunteers already on the ground. According to the Red Cross, deployments can last as long as three weeks depending on the situation.

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to bring relief, support and comfort to those affected by the 14 tornadoes that touched down in Lancaster, Forney, Arlington and Kennedale Texas. Red Cross teams are operating shelters, providing hot meals, distributing disaster supplies and meeting with families whose neighborhoods were damaged, as well as supporting first responders and organizations like the Salvation Army and Southern Baptist Convention.

April is historically a busy month for tornadoes in the United States. People can visit the preparedness section of the Red Cross website for more information about what to do if a tornado threatens.

People can help those affected by disasters like the tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.okc.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.