With spring on its way, tornado season is upon us and hurricane season is just around the corner, the local Red Cross is working to secure more shelter agreements across the county in addition to the ones already in place.

Mike Brown, executive director of the South Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross, said this week that there are currently agreements in place with First United Methodist Church in Andalusia and the community center in Red Level.

“We are working at this time to secure more and update our shelter agreements,” he said.

Brown explained how the Red Cross works after a disaster.

“When a disaster strikes, Red Cross volunteers go out and do damage assessment,” he said. “When it is determined that there is a need for a shelter we open one.”

Brown said that shelters are prepared ahead of time when they have advanced warning of a disaster, like a hurricane.

“If not, it is done shortly after the incident,” he said.

Brown said that the shelter manager and shelter team are dispatched to the shelter site and the Red Cross begins sheltering and feeding.

The Red Cross helps disaster victims by providing safe shelter, hot meals, essential relief supplies, emotional support and health services such as first aid.

Trained Red Cross workers often meet one-on-one with families to develop individual plans and identify available resources to help aid recovery.