In Newton County and across 13 counties in East Central Mississippi, including the reservation, the Southeast Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross plays a vital role in helping families recover from disasters. Melody Storgaard, the Community Disaster Program Manager for local chapter, recently shared how the organization supports the community — and why more local volunteers are needed.
Storgaard, who was in Newton last week to take part in the chapter’s Open House at the Showbarn, explained that the biggest need right now were volunteers to respond to house fires.
“When fire departments respond to a house fire, Kaleb Rice and his team at Newton County Emergency Services will usually give us a call and request volunteers to come out,” Storgaard explained, adding that volunteers then meet with affected families, offer immediate assistance, and help them figure out their next steps during an incredibly difficult time.
In Newton County alone, Storgaard said that the Red Cross typically responds to 18 to 24 house fires each year — and that number multiplies significantly across the full 13-county area.
Beyond fires, the Red Cross is involved in the full disaster cycle: preparedness, response, and recovery. After recent storms swept through the region, teams conducted damage assessments on homes in neighboring counties like Jasper and Clarke. While Newton County was fortunate this time, the organization stands ready to open shelters or provide other support when needed.
On the preparedness side, one of the most impactful programs is installing free smoke alarms in homes. The Red Cross partners with local emergency management and fire departments to ensure families have this life-saving equipment.
Storgaard emphasized that the Red Cross is fundamentally a volunteer-driven organization, and recruiting locally makes a big difference:
"It's always easier when people are helping their neighbors," she said.
While the area has seen strong volunteer engagement in the past, the team is currently rebuilding after a period without a dedicated manager in place. Storgaard is focused on growing these local teams step by step.
"I think it's rewarding when you see somebody in your own community who has experienced something so traumatic, to be able to be there to help them and offer them some support," said Storgaard.
