HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania announced this week it is sending 25 volunteers to the Gulf Coast as part of the relief effort for those affected by Hurricane Laura.
The storm made landfall as a Category Two hurricane along the Louisiana-Texas border.
"In the coming days, depending on impact of the Category 4 storm, the Red Cross anticipates deploying more responders," the agency said in a press release. "These volunteers will serve in a varying roles dependent upon their Red Cross training -- including logistics, reunification, health services, sheltering, and feeding while others will deploy virtually and support the on-the-ground operations remotely, from Pennsylvania."
In preparation for a large response effort across Louisiana and Texas, nearly 600 trained disaster workers from across the country helping to support communities threatened by Hurricane Laura are deployed to provide support and assistance, the Red Cross said.
Red Cross also pre-positioned shelter and relief supplies along the Gulf Coast, and additional workers are standing by if needed.
“We are thankful for the dedication and compassion of Red Cross volunteers who are willing to help those in need.” said Patricia Waldinger, CEO, American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region.
The American Red Cross said it is on the ground on the Gulf Coast, supporting local officials and community emergency plans across several states as the dangerous storm hits the Gulf Coast.
"Red Cross disaster workers are ready for a large response effort in Louisiana and Texas with nearly 600 trained workers helping communities threatened by Hurricane Laura," the organization said on its website. "We also have pre-positioned shelter and relief supplies along the Gulf Coast, and additional workers are standing by if needed.
"We are coordinating closely with community partners and emergency officials to ensure people have a safe place during the storm; how the Red Cross supports sheltering efforts may vary in each community, depending on local plans. On Tuesday night, as many as 5,000 people were provided a safe place to stay in emergency lodgings, including shelters and, in some circumstances, hotels."
In Louisiana, local officials will open shelters which the Red Cross is ready to support with volunteers and supplies, if needed. The Red Cross said it will also help to support evacuees placed in hotel rooms.
In Texas, the Red Cross has numerous shelters ready to open. In addition, we will help to support evacuees placed in hotel rooms or other shelters opened by local officials as requested.
Red Cross volunteers are also supporting evacuation centers, which are sites dedicated to directing evacuees to the best sheltering option for their individual needs. Red Cross disaster health services and mental health volunteers stand ready to help evacuees with replacing medications, eyeglasses and to offer emotional support. This assistance is available for anyone affected by the hurricanes.
If you'd like to help the Red Cross in its efforts, go here.
