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Weather conditions are rapidly changing in and around Covington County. Please keep an eye to the sky and an ear to local weather reports in the event conditions deteriorate and additional flooding takes place. For local weather updates, log on to www.weather.com or http://www.spc.noaa.gov/.
Flooded homes, streets, parks, and rivers were the norm Saturday morning, March 28, after more than 10 inches of rain fell in Florala, Alabama and outlying areas forcing residents to flee their homes and seek shelter.
The Covington County Red Cross responded by opening a shelter for residents seeking a place to get out of the rain and rising waters.
For additional photos from disaster activities earlier in the week, visit our Flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/covingtoncountyredcross/.
Covington County Red Cross worker Don Johnson surveys damage in Onycha. For additional photos, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/covingtoncountyredcross/
ANDALUSIA, Ala. - The Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross was called into action Thursday morning when a devastating wind storm – and possible tornado – ripped through the Onycha community just off of U.S. Hwy. 331 South of Opp.
Four families were displaced in the storm, with the local Red Cross stepping in to help provide recovery assistance.
“We were on scene this morning in Onycha making sure everyone was ok and taken care of,” said Jeffery Biggs, executive director of the Covington County Chapter. “One family needed emergency assistance for new clothing and shoes, while two families needed emergency shelter. One family did not require any emergency assistance, but we were able to establish contact and lend emotional support.”
When disaster strikes, such as the wind event in Onycha, the American Red Cross – and the Covington County Chapter – is able to step in and help meet the emergency needs of those affected. The services provided by the American Red Cross and its local chapters, such as the one in Covington County, are made possible through the donations received from the American public, businesses, and others.
“Donations are what make the services possible,” Biggs said. “We are raising funds now to cover the costs associated with meeting the needs of those affected in Onycha, and in the River Falls/Loango/Red Level areas also affected. Donations can be mailed to the chapter at 234 Hillcrest Drive, Andalusia, AL 36420, or dropped off at the office.”
“There is never a charge for any service the Red Cross provides to victims of disaster,” Biggs said. “It is all possible thanks to the gifts of the American people, and we depend on them to make that help happen.”
Biggs added that currently more than 300 Red Cross volunteers are in North Dakota providing assistance with record flooding along the Red River near Fargo, and Red Cross volunteers and workers are on the ground in Mississippi assisting with recovery efforts due to damage caused by the same storm system that impacted Onycha earlier in the day.
“Help people affected by disasters like the Onycha windstorm, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.”
Join us on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. at the Andalusia City Hall Auditorium as we present a very special program, “Coming Home,” from Sesame Workshop.
This special program helps families, individuals, and more deal with “life after deployment.”
This program, which is appropriate for all ages, is free and features John Mayer, Queen Latifah, Elmo, Rosita, and a host of others.
Several fires in the past few weeks continue to take their toll on the Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross disaster relief fund, prompting chapter officials to issue a call for donations.
“In the past few weeks the local chapter has provided more than $3,000 in assistance to families from all areas of Covington and Conecuh County,” said Jeffery Biggs, executive director of the Covington County Chapter. “Fire does not have a season – it’s year ’round, and sadly, in Covington County, fires happen frequently.”
All donations to the Covington County Chapter are kept locally, used to assist families and individuals in the Covington and Conecuh County areas. Donations are also tax deductible as allowed.
To make a financial contribution to the Covington County Chapter, mail your donation to 234 Hillcrest Drive, Andalusia, AL 36420, or call 334-428-2680 for more information.
Get your tickets today to the third annual Taste of Covington County. Tickets are only $10 each, or family 4 packs are available for $35. In fact, if you’re really hungry – or wanted to treat your friends, you can get 10 or more tickets for only $8 each!
“You like to eat, don’t you,” says Jeffery Biggs, executive director of the Covington County Chapter. “We want to feed you! Buy your tickets today!”
All funds raised from the Taste of Covington County will benefit the local chapter of the Red Cross, where 91 cents of every dollar is used to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected by disaster.
We don’t just respond to disasters. We also assist local law enforcement in their time of need.
You have the power to make a difference. Won’t you donate today and help change a life?
