Southeastern Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross John Ryle said the fatal tornado that tore a path through Holton in March 2012 lasted about 39 seconds. The tornado that destroyed a suburb of Oklahoma City, Moore, Okla., lasted 45 minutes.
The Red Cross mobilized and was on the scene feeding emergency crews and is taking donations for the many people effected by the storm, said Ryle.
The Salvation Army also is out in force in Oklahoma, which has been hit by a series of devastating and deadly tornadoes. The Monday, May 20, tornado was estimated at more than two miles wide with winds of up to 200 mph.
Ryle forwarded a press release from the Red Cross national headquarters.
Our thoughts and concerns go to everyone in Oklahoma following this horrific tornado.
The American Red Cross has one shelter open in Moore and is working on locating others; we continue to operate three shelters that were opened Sunday in the Oklahoma City area following the storms on Sunday. .
Red Cross volunteers are out tonight with food and supplies supporting first responders.
More than 25 emergency response vehicles are positioned to move at first light Tuesday, and we expect that the number will increase. The Red Cross is also sending in kitchen support trailers to support the upcoming operation to provide meals to those forced out of their homes.
People in Oklahoma near the tornado area are encouraged to connect with one another and let loved ones know that they are safe. This can be done through the I’m Safe feature of the free Red Cross tornado app. In addition, if you have access to a computer, go to redcross.org/safeandwell to list yourself as safe. If not, you can text loved ones or call a family member and ask them to register you on the site.
This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community. People who wish to make a donation to support the Red Cross response can visit redcross.org, dial 1-800-REDCROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Ryle notes as rescue efforts turn to recovery, people should also remember the first responders who may have family and homes involved in the tornadoes but who are still serving their communities. First responders can have post traumatic stress disorder when dealing with a crisis of this sort.
The Salvation Army mobilized and serving since before Monday’s bout of tornadic activity, is currently organizing disaster response units to serve hard-hit areas in Central Oklahoma, including Moore and South Oklahoma City.
In Pottawatomie County: The McAlester, OK and Shawnee, OK disaster response teams served multiple locations in the Shawnee area, including devastated neighborhoods and rural areas throughout the night and day.  Around 3:00 PM all units were pulled into safety as tremendous storms threatened the area. Response teams will be out once again upon an all-clear.
In Lincoln County: The Enid, OK canteen provided breakfast, lunch & dinner to the Carney, OK area throughout the early morning hours and all day today.
In Cleveland County: The Central Oklahoma Area Command Disaster Service Unit responded to the Little Axe area with breakfast, lunch & dinner today.  The Salvation Army was responding, even as one of our Salvation Army family member’s home was destroyed.
“The Salvation Army is calling on everyone to pray for all of those impacted by the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma,” said Major Steve Morris, Divisional Commander of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army.
Supporters are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Donations in the form of checks designated to Oklahoma Tornado Relief may also be mailed to:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK 73157