Governor Seeks Major Disaster Declaration As Red Cross Helps Victims
SOUTHBRIDGE (CBS) - Governor Deval Patrick filed a request on Saturday asking President Obama to declare a major disaster in Massachusetts as a result of the tornadoes that hit western and central parts of the state on June 1.
If awarded, much of the storm-related infrastructure damage, debris removal and emergency response costs would be reimbursed by the federal government.
The request was made for Hampden and Worcester counties.
Meanwhile, for those impacted by the tornadoes, the Red Cross has set up a distribution site for this weekend to provide immidiate relief.
It's on Worcester Street in Southbridge and is open Saturday until 5pm and on Sunday from noon to 5 pm.
The Red Cross also has mobile teams going door to door to ensure everyone who needs help can get it:
The teams are going to impacted neighborhoods for two reasons. One is to find out what supplies are in greatest demand and make sure they have it stocked at their distribution sites. Spokesperson Lisa Michaud says the second reason is some people who need help don't reach out.
"I went on a tour in one of the areas yesterday and just noticed that the biggest thing is the clean-up," she told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic. "There is a lot of work to be done."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports
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The distribution sites have snacks and drinks, tarps, clean-up supplies like rakes and cleansers.
This is not the same as the resource recovery sites set up by the state to get federal assistance.
This is immediate relief for immediate needs. People can get more information and make donations by calling their local Red Cross chapter or by clicking here.
