The preparation to assist residents impacted by tornadoes in Kankakee County began before storms even touched down.
"Our teams were working day and night to prepare everyone to be able to get to these communities that have been affected by the storms," said Anabel Monge, American Red Cross Illinois Communications Manager. "The preparation has been going on for days, meeting after meeting."
She said the organization has set up a shelter at Kankakee Community College where people can come in for food, shelter or just to hang out and receive support. Residents don’t need to stay overnight at the shelter.
"For example, we had a one woman walk in and her house was was fine. Her car was damaged, but they don't have power, so she came in with her son, and they're just charging a phone," she said. "They'll get the help that they need, but the shelter is open for anyone who needs it.
She said the Red Cross also has teams assessing storm damage, ready to help those who may have been displaced.
"Our disaster teams are also assessing the situation," she said. That information, we don't have it yet, because it's a preliminary investigation. It's only been a couple of hours since the storms hit, so it takes time. We're just here to meet those primary needs that are needed at the moment."