Red Cross responds to Barnsdall, Bartlesville residents with recovery efforts

OSAGE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - The American Red Cross is on the scene after devastating storms hit several communities overnight on Monday.

"Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and the communities punished by tornado outbreaks across Oklahoma, the Great Plains and the South. Even as we shift to recovery work for the April 27 tornadoes in southern Oklahoma, we are now responding after a violent tornado struck communities in Osage and Washington counties, including Barnsdall." said Red Cross.

According to the National Weather Service Tulsa on "X", "Damage surveys continue across Osage County this afternoon. Currently, EF3 damage has been found southwest of Barnsdall. Still a long day of surveying with this storm and lots more to evaluate."

Trained Red Cross disaster workers are operating shelters in affected areas:

• Osage County Fairgrounds, 320 Skyline Drive, Pawhuska, OK

• Crossway First Baptist Church, 2108 Broadway Ave., Sulphur, OK

The Red Cross confirmed they are working with local officials in newly impacted areas to understand and help meet community needs from now through residents’ recovery.

• As of Tuesday morning, the Red Cross has:

• Assisted nearly 800 households with disaster-related needs

• Served almost 10,400 meals and snacks

• Provided more than 100 overnight shelter stays

• Distributed more than 3,100 relief items

• Mobile feeding and emergency supply distribution has started in Osage and Washington counties. Operations have concluded in southern Oklahoma; however, meals will be served in shelters for as long as they are open.

• In southern Oklahoma, the Red Cross is preparing to open service centers to help people with their recovery. Red Cross caseworkers will help residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed apply for financial assistance. They can also connect people with additional recovery resources and services available in their communities.

Ardmore Service Center
1006 Northwest Blvd.
Ardmore, OK
May 8–9, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Marietta Service Center
402 W Main St.
Marietta, OK
May 10–11, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sulphur Service Center
2108 Broadway Ave.
Sulphur, OK
May 8–9, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

SHELTER INFO AND TORNADO SAFETY

Anyone affected by this disaster is welcome at a Red Cross shelter. All disaster assistance is free. Services offered at Red Cross shelters:
A safe place to sleep
Meals, snacks and water
Health services (for disaster-related conditions), such as first aid, refilling lost prescriptions or replacing lost eyeglasses
Emotional support and mental health services
Spiritual care
Help reconnecting with loved ones
Information about disaster-related resources in the community

STAYING SAFE AFTER A TORNADO

Avoid injury
Do not enter damaged buildings.
If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris. Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
Watch out for exposed nails and broken glass.
Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.

Clean up safely
Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves to reduce injuries.
Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
If power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risk.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, basement, garage, tent or camper — or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away — do not delay.

Take care of yourself
It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
You can contact the national SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call 1-800-985-5990.

HOW TO HELP

Your financial donation to the Red Cross helps provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance during disasters. Visit redcross.org/donate to make a donation, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation toward disaster relief.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the American Red Cross is offering financial assistance for those who need help recovering and whose primary residences were destroyed or sustained eligible structural damage. This type of assistance is damage-based.

To be eligible for Red Cross damage-based financial assistance, households apply for the program and meet the following three requirements:

• Their pre-disaster primary residence (renter or homeowner) is in a confirmed disaster-impacted geographic area.
• Their head of household is able to provide proof of identity and residence.
• Their primary residence is assessed to be destroyed or has suffered significant structural damage that requires extensive repairs. A residence that is destroyed is one that is a total loss or with damage so severe that repairs are not feasible.

Many qualifying households will receive an invitation to complete an application through an email, text message or phone call directly from the American Red Cross. Please follow the instructions in the message and call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to enroll, confirm eligibility and receive individual financial assistance.

Emails will come from “American Red Cross” from clientservices@rccare.redcross.org.
Partners and community advocates will be available to those who may face barriers to accessing disaster assistance such as people who do not speak English, are not American citizens, or who have not responded to our initial outreach.

Anyone who needs assistance is welcome to call 1-800-RED CROSS.