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CNN Live At Daybreak

Interview with Michael Spencer, Red Cross

Aired May 09, 2003 - 06:32   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The extensive storm damage has set the Red Cross into action. Let's find out where the demand is in tornado- ravaged Moore, Oklahoma.
Red Cross spokesman Michael Spencer is joining us on the phone from Moore.

Thank you for being with us.

MICHAEL SPENCER, RED CROSS SPOKESMAN: Thank you, Daryn.

KAGAN: The good news is obviously that nobody lost their lives, but a number of people injured, and the amount of homes that were either destroyed or injured are absolutely staggering this morning.

SPENCER: Yes, Daryn, it's -- you know, this town is in total shock this morning as they wake up. This is the second time in just four years that they've been devastated by a tornado.

KAGAN: First, let's talk about the number of injured. Are we talking about severely injured people?

SPENCER: I don't have any exact numbers, but I do know that when I arrived last night that many of the emergency rooms were overwhelmed.

KAGAN: And I would imagine the Red Cross might be overwhelmed this morning; 300 people, their homes -- or 300 families, we should say, their homes absolutely destroyed. Where are those people today? And what's the Red Cross doing to help them out?

SPENCER: Right. You know, right after the tornados, Daryn, we set up three shelters in this community, and people have been turning to us all night long for either a hot meal or for sheltering.

And this morning, we have our emergency response vehicles roaming throughout the neighborhood. As families come home, we're going to be with them every step of the way. The Red Cross will be here for many, many weeks to come to make sure that they are able to get back on their feet.

KAGAN: Long after the television cameras leave -- or the national cameras leave, the Red Cross will still be there. Michael, what about what the Red Cross has faced this week just in that area alone? Are you guys tapped out in terms of resources?

SPENCER: You know, right now, we're responding in eight states to major disasters, whether it be tornadoes or flooding. So, we are in urgent need of the public to call our 1-800-HELPNOW number and make a contribution to help these people right now and the thousands of other disaster victims across the country. And there are more storms on the way, you know, for many parts of the country, and we have over 1,000 volunteers mobilized right now in these communities, helping the people who need it the most, and that's why we need help, to help others.

KAGAN: And you do have folks across the country who will watch and will want to help, and they want to send stuff, whether it's food or blankets or clothing. But from what I've heard in the past of the Red Cross, it's easier if you just send cash, and then you guys can purchase what's really needed for the folks that need it in the area.

SPENCER: Right. That allows us to help them with exactly what they need, and you know, it lets them get what they want, you know, whether it be either their own shampoo, their own brand...

KAGAN: Right.

SPENCER: ... anything they want we can help with. Our mental health counselors are a big part of this. This town was just ravaged four years ago. So that is a major component, to make sure these people are recovering and on the way to the right way.

KAGAN: Well, we wish you well in trying to help those folks get back on their feet and get back into homes. Michael Spencer with the Red Cross, thank you.

SPENCER: Thanks.

KAGAN: I know it's a busy day ahead of you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.







Aired May 9, 2003 - 06:32   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The extensive storm damage has set the Red Cross into action. Let's find out where the demand is in tornado- ravaged Moore, Oklahoma.
Red Cross spokesman Michael Spencer is joining us on the phone from Moore.

Thank you for being with us.

MICHAEL SPENCER, RED CROSS SPOKESMAN: Thank you, Daryn.

KAGAN: The good news is obviously that nobody lost their lives, but a number of people injured, and the amount of homes that were either destroyed or injured are absolutely staggering this morning.

SPENCER: Yes, Daryn, it's -- you know, this town is in total shock this morning as they wake up. This is the second time in just four years that they've been devastated by a tornado.

KAGAN: First, let's talk about the number of injured. Are we talking about severely injured people?

SPENCER: I don't have any exact numbers, but I do know that when I arrived last night that many of the emergency rooms were overwhelmed.

KAGAN: And I would imagine the Red Cross might be overwhelmed this morning; 300 people, their homes -- or 300 families, we should say, their homes absolutely destroyed. Where are those people today? And what's the Red Cross doing to help them out?

SPENCER: Right. You know, right after the tornados, Daryn, we set up three shelters in this community, and people have been turning to us all night long for either a hot meal or for sheltering.

And this morning, we have our emergency response vehicles roaming throughout the neighborhood. As families come home, we're going to be with them every step of the way. The Red Cross will be here for many, many weeks to come to make sure that they are able to get back on their feet.

KAGAN: Long after the television cameras leave -- or the national cameras leave, the Red Cross will still be there. Michael, what about what the Red Cross has faced this week just in that area alone? Are you guys tapped out in terms of resources?

SPENCER: You know, right now, we're responding in eight states to major disasters, whether it be tornadoes or flooding. So, we are in urgent need of the public to call our 1-800-HELPNOW number and make a contribution to help these people right now and the thousands of other disaster victims across the country. And there are more storms on the way, you know, for many parts of the country, and we have over 1,000 volunteers mobilized right now in these communities, helping the people who need it the most, and that's why we need help, to help others.

KAGAN: And you do have folks across the country who will watch and will want to help, and they want to send stuff, whether it's food or blankets or clothing. But from what I've heard in the past of the Red Cross, it's easier if you just send cash, and then you guys can purchase what's really needed for the folks that need it in the area.

SPENCER: Right. That allows us to help them with exactly what they need, and you know, it lets them get what they want, you know, whether it be either their own shampoo, their own brand...

KAGAN: Right.

SPENCER: ... anything they want we can help with. Our mental health counselors are a big part of this. This town was just ravaged four years ago. So that is a major component, to make sure these people are recovering and on the way to the right way.

KAGAN: Well, we wish you well in trying to help those folks get back on their feet and get back into homes. Michael Spencer with the Red Cross, thank you.

SPENCER: Thanks.

KAGAN: I know it's a busy day ahead of you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.