TAMPA, Fla. – October 7, 2024 – The American Red Cross of Central Florida is preparing for potential impacts from Hurricane Milton as the established Florida relief operation for Hurricane Helene continues caring for shelter residents and conducting mobile service delivery where it is currently safe to do so.
As many Florida counties open new evacuation centers, Red Cross-managed Helene recovery shelters remain open, some relocating to schools or public buildings to reduce safety risks associated with the incoming storm. We’re also working closely with emergency management officials across our counties to be prepared to resume mobile activities and address new needs once this storm has passed.
Over the last five years, we’ve been there for 13 hurricane landfalls along the Gulf coast with the most recent less than two weeks ago. Since Helene made landfall, the Red Cross has launched a massive response across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. Some 2,000 Red Crossers are working tirelessly across the Southeast to provide safe shelter, and where possible, on the roads in Emergency Response Vehicles providing meals, water and relief supplies.
Right now, it’s critical for Floridians to prepare for this significant incoming threat from Milton.
HOW TO PREPARE Make a plan to stay safe and know how you’ll stay connected. If an evacuation is ordered, be prepared to leave quickly. If your home was compromised during Hurricanes Debby or Helene, it may not be safe for you to stay. Have a plan for where you will go, how you will get there, where you’ll stay and what you’ll take with you. Be sure to include pets in your plans.
Find shelters and other resources by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app. For people unable to access the information they need, call 1-800 RED CROSS but keep in mind longer wait times due to large call volume. You can also find shelters and community-based services by following your local emergency officials on social media or by monitoring local news.
Find out what to bring to a shelter here.
If you shelter at home, be prepared for the possibility of a power outage. Make sure you have emergency supplies -- water, food & medicine -- and know how you will stay connected.
Stay informed by monitoring local weather and news reports. Have a backup way to charge your cell phone, and sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Visit floridadisaster.org to sign up for "Alert Florida" for your city or county.
OUR WORK IN FLORIDA OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS Since our efforts began for Hurricane Helene in Florida, the Red Cross has worked closely with local officials and community partners across the state to get help to people as quickly as possible. This has included: operating or supporting more than 100 shelters (evacuation and emergency) across many counties; providing support to dozens of EOCs to stay connected to community needs; mobilizing tens of thousands of meals, snacks, water and relief supplies into communities; and assisting with reunification efforts where damaged infrastructure has made it difficult for people to communicate.
HOW TO HELP Communities are facing potentially life-threatening impacts from this new hurricane. The Red Cross urgently needs the support of the public to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like storms, fires 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 donation.
If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
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