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April 15, 2012

Sedgwick County Emergency Management is asking that anyone wishing to assist the community and residents affected by last evening’s tornados and severe weather to contact the United Way.

Volunteers wishing to assist or donate items are asked to contact United Way’s 211 call center. It is imperative that volunteers do not go directly to any damaged areas as emergency crews are working to access the areas.

RED CROSS UPDATE:

WICHITA, Kan., 4/15/12 – The American Red Cross is working the morning after severe weather and tornadoes displaced people and families throughout south-central Kansas. Today, the Red Cross shelter at 801 E. Market, in Derby, Kan. remains open, where mental health counseling has been available.

“Interestingly, despite all the assistance a person will receive through their recovery process, what people tend to remember most is that someone stopped to show they cared,” said James Williams, Red Cross spokesperson. “Taking care of yourself emotionally is just as important as recovering physically.”

Red Cross continues to evolve with the community’s needs. Today Red Cross will be focusing on feeding, sheltering and damage assessment, which gives Red Cross a better picture of how it should respond.

“The recovery is still in its infant stages,” Williams said. “As the community’s needs change, Red Cross will adapt to provide the appropriate assistance.”

There are ways people can and cannot help. While well intended, in-kind donations of clothing, food, water or other supplies are not needed. Red Cross appreciates the offers of help, but right now the best way to help disaster victims is with a financial donation by visiting www.redcross.org, by texting the word REDCROSS to 9-0-9-9-9 or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. While no blood drives have been canceled, Red Cross depends on generous volunteer blood donors to provide lifesaving blood in need – each and every day.

You may help people affected by disasters like tornadoes in the Wichita area as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visitwww.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Download the Storm Team 12 App for interactive radar and current conditions by zip code. Also download the KWCH App, where you can watch streaming video of our Always On Storm Team 12 Weather Channel, channel 12.2. There you can also send us your storm shots and receive weather alerts. The Apps are free to download for i-Phone, i-Pad and Android.

If you don't have a smart phone, Text Me 12 can also alert you to storms.

And if you want to stay ahead of weather while watching television, turn to channel 12.2 for our Always On Storm Team 12 Weather Channel. Can't find 12.2? Check HERE. If it's not available in your area, contact your cable or satellite provider.

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