NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, TX (KTRE) -
Thunderstorms, wildfires and tornadoes
are commonly seen across the state of Texas and the Red Cross is taking steps
to make sure they are prepared for the worst.
Saturday volunteers got a glimpse of
what happens during these disasters and how they need to respond.
In Tyler, volunteers were
briefed on the drill before heading out into the field. In Nacogdoches, it was
no different.
Volunteers made their way through a
Nacogdoches neighborhood assessing damage in a mock tornado drill.
40 Red Cross chapters and 700
volunteers across Texas and Oklahoma participated in the first ever multi-state
disaster drill.
"They're joining forces to simultaneously
test their ability to assess damage," said Kristy Brice, Branch Director
Deep ETX, Red Cross.
As a part of their assessment volunteers look
for home damage, possible gas leaks and check the condition of the roads and
trees.
"Its imperative for American Red
Cross an organization responsible for bringing comfort to Mother Nature's victim
is as prepared as possible," said Brice.
Volunteer Pamela Russell has seen
firsthand the devastation a tornado can cause; in 2004 her parent's Henderson
home was destroyed.
"When we got there you couldn't
see the house you couldn't see anything, I mean pine trees had fallen over you couldn't
get to the driveway," said Russell.
Russell says volunteering has exposed her to
the health and mental services the Red Cross offers to victims of natural
disasters.
"It's really sad but in a way it's
really good to know that the Red Cross reaches out to people like that,"
said Russell.
Officials say Saturday's event is a
catalyst step in all Red Cross services, enhancing how they are able to serve
communities when disasters strike.
"It determines how many meals
need to be prepared, how many volunteers need to be activated how many rakes
and shovels we need to have on hand," said Brice.
To learn how to volunteer visit www.redcross.org
