ODESSA, Texas —
The Permian Basin Chapter of the American Red Cross is in the mobilization phase of their operations to help storm victims in West Texas.
Basically, they're getting people together, supplies together and getting ready to help people where it's needed.
The Permian Basin Red Cross told NewsWest 9 it's very important for people to reach out to the American Red Cross so that they can get a better idea of where the damage is and what areas are affected a lot faster.
“And right now we are seeking to understand who's been affected. So we've asked that everyone that's been affected by the storm, call 1-800-Red Cross to let us know if you have needs; could be sheltering, they have damage and all that," said Shane Bell, Disaster Action Team Coordinator for the Permian Basin Red Cross. "We're trying to collect data on what happened and who's been affected by the storms.”
Getting calls from those in need or even just concerned members of the community allows them to get a better picture of the situation around them.
“It gives us the ability to figure out where pockets of damage are. This storm was small and hopping around a little bit, so the damage isn't like a major tornado where it goes down a center path and you can look and see the tornado went that way; everybody in that line is affected. We have pockets of damage. Plus, with the other storms in the Northern Permian Basin, like Gaines County in that area, they had storms as well," Bell said. "So figuring out where the need is and making sure we're shifting resources where we need them is what we're looking to do.”
The kind and amount of help that the Red Cross gives can vary depending on the situation.
However, there are a couple of major concerns they always have on their mind when going out to help.
“So initially our first concern is sheltering food, shelter. For those that have been displaced and don't have a place to go. So that's our that was our first making sure we had a plan if there was that need," Bell said. "Our next plan then goes into twofold, one, doing a damage assessment, which we're going to be doing today and will continue through tomorrow as needed. And also distribution of supplies.”
In the next couple of days, Bell said they'll be doing damage assessments of areas affected by the storm. The number to contact the Red Cross is once again 1-800-RED CROSS.