This pair of workers was part of a five-person team who worked out of an emergency aid station that provided food, first aid and mental health counseling. Erb and McDowell advised residents to visit the Red Cross service center in Birmingham to receive vouchers for clothing and furniture, prescriptions and food.
Every house is different.
Many in the communities hit by the tornadoes already have banded together to help themselves. As Erb and McDowell made their way through the streets, crews from local churches drove up and down, handing out hot food and toiletries, even offering hot dogs and pizza to the two Red Cross workers. Erb and McDowell in turn offered an ear to anyone who needed someone to listen. One couple wanted to know how they could get a temporary apartment in a nearby area so they wouldn't have to travel far to work on their damaged home. Another man explained that he needs glasses as he stood in a house without a roof.