LOS ANGLES, Sept. 25, 2024 - The Los Angeles region of the American Red Cross is urgently sending disaster responders to Florida ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is forecasted to strengthen into a large, dangerous hurricane before it strikes Florida's Gulf Coast Thursday night and then spreads its winds and rain well inland into the Southeast U.S.

The Red Cross is staging equipment and sending people from across the United States before the storm hits. Already,15 local Red Crossers are on their way, ready to make a significant difference by ensuring people have a safe place to go before and after this potentially devastating storm.

To ensure people have the help they need, the Red Cross depends on public support. Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.