Thunderbolts Strengthen Region's Disaster Response Capabilities

Throughout the last month, our Nebraska-Iowa regional volunteers and staff were put to the test with thunderbolt drills. These exercises were designed to test each chapter's ability to respond to a large-scale disaster. Without prior warning, teams in each chapter were tasked with opening several shelters simultaneously, all within the span of a few hours. Each shelter was required to hold 100 people and had to be staffed by trained Red Cross volunteers. Teams worked closely with partners and community members to successfully meet this challenge head-on.

We know that practice makes perfect, which is why we regularly encourage you to practice your home fire escape plans. Just as we want you to be ready in the event of a disaster, we want to ensure we can serve our communities when we're needed most. These drills not only gave volunteers valuable practice but also gave our region valuable insight into how we can focus our efforts for future sheltering needs.

Hear from volunteers who helped make each thunderbolt exercise successful:

“It was a great trial run. We were so well prepared by our supervisors that it all went really well. We all feel a little bit better able to handle an emergent situation.” - Laurel Marshall, Omaha-Council Bluffs & Southwest Iowa Chapter

"The thunderbolt exercise was so helpful! I now feel more prepared and confident to serve as a shelter supervisor and in setting up a Red Cross shelter. The partnerships with others, like the Woodbury County Emergency Management people and local churches, were great, and it's good to know they are there to help out in real emergency situations. The exercise was well-planned and ran smoothly!" - Norene Bunt, Northwest Iowa & Northeast Nebraska Chapter

“I truly enjoyed our thunderbolt exercise. I feel like the experience gave our chapter the opportunity to truly see where we need the most improvement. It also encouraged volunteers to participate in additional trainings and gave new volunteers the opportunity to have some hands-on experience with opening a shelter.” - Kim Meyer, Southeast Nebraska Chapter

“It was fun to work with volunteers I hadn't worked with before." - Jan Jordan, Northern & Central Iowa Chapter

"If we ever have to set up a shelter in a real situation, I hope it all goes as well as the thunderbolt exercise went. Things went very smoothly for the shelter I was at. Had an excellent group of volunteers, and it was a great learning experience for all of us.  We worked as a team and got the job done." - Gail Miller, Eastern Iowa Chapter

“Through the American Red Cross, volunteers don’t just respond to disasters, they become the steady presence that helps communities rebuild, one moment of compassion at a time.” - Sam Johnston, Central & Western Nebraska Chapter

Feeling inspired to serve and make an impact in your community?

Being a Red Cross volunteer is being part of something important that strengthens individuals and communities alike through the contributions of everyone’s time and talents. With your help, we can ensure that families never experience disaster alone. Join our team of incredible volunteers. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find the right role for you.