With the help of partners, Red Cross disaster volunteers from Murfreesboro, Rutherford County and other mid-state locations are working to make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies and emotional support and comfort.
If your home was damaged or destroyed by the severe weather and you need Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS.
A 250-mile path across six states is the route taken by more than than 30 tornados.
Mayfield, Kentucky, a community of approximately 10,000 residents, was believed to be the hardest hit.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said around 110 workers were inside the Mayfield Consumer Product's candle factory when the twister hit. Dozens are feared dead at that one location.
A survivor said the workers were taken to a more secure area before the storm hit.
Each state that was impacted by the tornados have sent National Guard to the devastated communities.
Updates on our response:
- On Friday overnight (12/11/2021) at least 24 tornadoes ripped across six states in the dark of night, impacting people in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.
- Several emergency shelters are open to provide comfort for people who can’t return home. As the weather clears, Red Cross volunteers will be out in affected communities assessing the damage left behind to help determine how we can support people in the coming days and weeks.
- The Red Cross has provided more than 160 blood products to hospitals in response to these devastating tornadoes. We remain in touch with our hospital partners throughout affected areas and stand ready to provide additional blood products as needed.
- Initial reports show some communities have suffered significant damage with homes and buildings destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of people left without power.
- The threat isn’t over — the National Weather Service reports that the severe weather will continue today from the Ohio and Tennessee valleys to the northern Gulf States.
- As Red Cross workers respond to last night’s tornadoes, we urge everyone who remains in the path of this ongoing severe weather to listen to the advice of local officials and be ready to get to a safe place quickly in case of a tornado warning.
- After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. This Safe and Well website has been activated for the Tennessee Tornadoes, December 2021. To register, go to SafeandWell.org.
Kentucky Hit Hard
Shelters are opening: If you or someone you know needs a safe place to go, Red Cross shelters will be available. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The app is available at redcross.org/apps.
How can you help: People can help those affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/tennessee
