As Louisiana prepares for the Category 4 Hurricane Ida to make landfall, the American Red Cross, including volunteers from North Texas, has begun preparations to assist those in need.
According to the Red Cross, they say that around 500 trained volunteers are prepared to help open shelters and support people in need of a place to stay. They have also sent cots, blankets and comfort kits, as well as 68,000 ready-to-eat meals to Louisiana and Mississippi.
More volunteers are also being prepared to assist in providing snacks and meals, comfort kits including toothbrushes and soap, and to help with sourcing shelter and any health and mental health necessities.
The Arlington warehouse of the American Red Cross North Texas will be sending supplies and assets from today, including an emergency response vehicle and personnel. Following this, additional support will be sent from Abilene, Corsicana and Tyler.
"We are fortunate to have hundreds of dedicated volunteers who quickly mobilize to support people affected by disasters, but we know we will likely need additional support as hurricane season continues," Katrina Farmer, regional disaster officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region said. "Trained volunteers are critical to disaster relief and the Red Cross needs additional local volunteers willing and able to support local and/or national disaster response efforts."
If you wish to volunteer visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. Alternatively, if you wish to provide a financial gift you can call 1-800-RED CROSS, text 'REDCROSS' to 90999 to produce a $10 donation, or visit redcross.org.
For information on evacuation shelters call 211 or text 'LAShelter' to 898-211. Further information can be found at redcross.org, 1-900-RED CROSS or via the Red Cross Emergency App.
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