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The Yuma Territory of the American Red Cross sent two volunteers on disaster deployment

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - One American Red Cross volunteer from our area is flying from Yuma to Arkansas Wednesday, after deadly tornados and storms struck a large part of the country over the weekend.
“I’m headed for little rock arkansas and we’re there for the tornadoes. I set up my phone last night for tornado alerts and to find out what the weather was and so far today I’ve got three tornado alerts,” said Red Cross volunteer, Frank Lagario.

Frank has deployed 30 times to help those affected by a disaster.

This time, to Little Rock, Arkansas.
“We hand out cleanup kits, mops, sponges, bleach, drinking water, and other supplies,” said Frank.

Frank has been volunteering at the red cross for five years now.
“I’ve done hurricanes, floods, tropical storms, fires, but never a tornado,” he said.

He says when you’re going on a deployment you have to be prepared for anything. 
“Because you’re flying into a disaster, I always bring an air mattress, a sleeping bag, cause I never know if I’m gonna be sleeping in a truck or warehouse or an amazing condominium in Disney World,” said Frank.

He is scheduled to deliver emergency supplies to those affected by the tornadoes.
“I also bring enough food for 72 hours and a water purifying system,” he said.

Officials indicate at least 100 possible tornadoes touched down last friday and saturday, leaving tens of thousands of customers without power.

Thousands of people lost everything as homes were destroyed, and communities turned upside down.
“The big thing we could really use is more volunteers,” said Frank.

If you would like to volunteer for disaster relief, click here: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/disaster-volunteer.html

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Samantha Byrd

Samantha Byrd joined the KYMA team in February 2022 and is the morning anchor/producer for News 11 and Fox 9.

You can reach out to her with story ideas at sammy.byrd@kecytv.com

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