The Red Cross sends help to tornado victims in northern Illinois, more volunteers standby

The Red Cross sends help to tornado victims in northern Illinois, more volunteers standby

The Red Cross sends help to tornado victims in northern Illinois, more volunteers standby

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Efforts to help those affected by the devastating tornado that ripped through Illionis on Thursday, are happening right here at home as well. Red Cross already has people in Illinois helping, and more on standby -- waiting for that call.

It will be basically empty, to be filled with food and supplies which they're in Illinois, and then they'll take the supplies to those badly hit communities.

Less than 24 hours ago after distaster touched down in Rochelle, Fairdale, and Ashton Illinois, people from Wisconsin hit the road to help.

FOX6 News spoke with Pam Knoll, from Elmbrook Church, as she and 3 others took the 2 hour drive.

"We need to listen and watch more than we talk. So that we can hear where the needs are. What do these people need," said Pam Knoll.

They are part of an assessment team for Smaritan's Purse. Their job is to be the organization's eyes and ears, and report back.

"And then they start making priorities. This lot needs to be cleaned up or we need to tarp this roof, or they need this tree to come down," said Knoll.

Others will be coming with supplies and food, like volunteers with the Red Cross.

"As soon as we can, we start feeding and distributing supplies to people so they can start the cleanup process," said Patty Flowers, with the Red Cross.

Supplies like blankets, and pet food -- and what they call 'comfort kits.'

"If everything is gone, just imagine how nice it is to have  razor and a toothbrush and just those things to keep yourself clean," said Flowers.

6 volunteers and 2 trucks were sent out from Wisconsin first thing Friday morning, April 10th, with more anticipated to leave in the next few days.

Right now, what they need from the public is money for those supplies so that those who get the call to be there in person, can fill every possible need.

"I think sometimes we get lulled into thinking somebody else will be there, somebody else will take care of that and that somebody else has to be us," said Knoll.

Officials here at the Red Cross say the fact that this happened so close to home should be a reminder for us to be prepared in case of emergency.

Have a plan with your family, as well as an emergency kit packed with food, money, and other essentials.

For updates on the Red Cross response in Illinois, visit https://twitter.com/ChicagoRedCross.

You can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your donation helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

More tornado safety information is available in the “Types of Emergency” pages of this web site.