Red Cross shares shelter locations, safety tips following Middle Tennessee tornado outbreak

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- With six people dead and dozens injured following Saturday's severe weather in Middle Tennessee, the American Red Cross is working to help community members impacted by the storms.

Officials said it is "critically important" for people to call 1-800 RED CROSS to report damages to their homes as Red Cross plans its response and casework.

There are also three shelters Red Cross said it is managing around Middle Tennessee for people who have been displaced from their homes and/or need to report structural damage, receive food, or address medical needs:

• Northeast High School at 3701 Trenton Road in Clarksville
• Cornerstone Church at 1410 Stop 30 Road in Hendersonville
  • The shelter was originally at Beech High School, but then it was moved for an unknown reason.
• Madison Community Center at 550 N. Dupont Avenue in Nashville
  • The shelter was originally at Isaac Litton Alumni Center, but the Nashville Office of Emergency Management said officials decided to move the shelter in order to better accommodate the community's needs and "ensure easier accessibility and enhanced facilities for those seeking refuge during storms."

The organization shared the following advice for what you should do after a tornado hits:

• Avoid getting injured:
  • Keep listening to the radio, television, or other news sources, and stay in your shelter until the tornado warning is over.
  • Do not enter damaged buildings.
  • If you're inside a damaged building, do not use matches or lighters, look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris, exit with extreme care, and stay out.
    If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
  • If you're trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Instead of shouting for help, try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle.
  • Watch out for exposed nails and broken glass.
  • Steer clear of damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires. They can electrocute you.
  • Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Don't go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment that might have been underwater.
• Clean up safely:
  • Be careful during the clean-up effort. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves to reduce injuries.
  • Don't let children take part in disaster clean-up work.
  • If power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risk.
  • Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't use gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper, or even outside near an open window.
    Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast, so if you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away.

• Prevent power overloads and fire hazards:
  • Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles.
  • Only turn off the utilities only if you suspect damage or if local officials instruct you to do so. Your gas line can only be turned on by a professional.
  • Contact a professional if you have problems once the utilities are back on. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Don't use a gas stove to heat your home.
  • Don't use outdoor stoves for heating or cooking while indoors.
  • If you're using a generator, keep it outside in a well-ventilated area away from windows.
• Decide if you need to stay or go:
  • Evacuate if your home is too hot or too cold, or if you have medical devices that need power.
  • Communities often provide warming or cooling centers and power charging stations.

• Treat injuries:
  • People may be injured, so provide first aid as needed.
  • Don't try to move a person with a back or neck injury unless they're in immediate danger. Seek immediate medical assistance.
• Take care of yourself:
  • Keep in mind that it's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
  • Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
  • If you need to talk to someone, you can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.