American Red Cross Helping With Cleanup Efforts After Tornado Hits Idabel

The American Red Cross is on the ground in McCurtain County working to help all of the people who are cleaning up after severe storms blew through over the weekend.

Idabel is one of the hardest hit areas after an EF-3 tornado destroyed several homes and businesses.

“You never know what a tornado is going to do,” said Matt Trotter, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross. “Sometimes it will tear the roof of your house, sometimes it will hardly leave a scratch on your house.”

Contacting city and county leaders of an impacted community is one of the first responsibilities for the American Red Cross when lending a hand.

A shelter was opened at Bypass Church of Christ on Saturday, but has since closed since there is no need for people to stay overnight.

Disaster workers will still be hanging around to lend a hand. This includes lending snacks, water and clean up supplies.

The Red Cross dipped into its McAlester warehouse to give away about 600 items as the clean up begins.

“We’ve got stuff like tarps, rakes, gloves, shovels, clean up kits,” said Trotter.

Disaster assessment teams are also going around and surveying the damage. The Red Cross said more than 160 homes were damaged in the storm.

For those looking to help out, the Red Cross accepts donations and also is in need of local volunteers.