The next time a tornado or hurricane tears through Texas and beyond, the American Red Cross' newest and largest Field Disaster Supply Center is prepared to send much-needed supplies and assistance.

A 174,000-square-foot national center - housing thousands of boxes filled with blankets, cleaning supplies, tarps, personal hygiene products and more - has opened its doors off New York Avenue, south of Interstate 20.

Surrounded by boxes of supplies, city leaders, America Red Cross officials and volunteers participated Wednesday morning in a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

"This facility gives us enormous readiness and preparedness to respond to disasters both big and small," said T.D. Smyers, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross North Texas Region. "From this strategic location, the Red Cross will be able to immediately provide a life-saving response."

Arlington's central location and proximity to major highways and airports made it the perfect location for the distribution center, said Charles Yopp, senior director of supply chain management for the Red Cross. The center will not only serve North Texas, but also the Gulf Coast region, Oklahoma and other states in Tornado Alley and parts of Colorado hit by wildfires.

"We have a lot of resources here that are used to alleviate human suffering," Yopp said, adding that the center can provide supplies for 100,000 to 110,000 people at any given time.

Mayor Robert Cluck, noting the Red Cross responded to past tornadoes that hit the city, said Arlington is thrilled to welcome the supply center and fortunate to have nearby resources.

"I love seeing the Red Cross because I know if they are here, we are OK," Mayor Robert Cluck said. "They have responded to every major disaster to hit our city. What they do for our city and the people of our city is God's work."

In addition to serving as a warehouse, the supply center will house blood drives, first aid and CPR courses and training for Red Cross volunteers. Red Cross also has supply centers in Georgia, Missouri, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

But the Arlington warehouse will be the largest.

"There are no other facilities like this in the country," Cluck said, "none with this sort of capacity to offer life-saving assistance."