The sprawling complex of “circus tents” in Tallahassee, Fla., provides accommodations for hundreds of workers – including American Red Cross disaster responders – who are working to help communities across the panhandle of Florida recover from Hurricane Michael.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Any time there’s a disaster, the American Red Cross and other responders come together to help the victims.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, responders are literally under the same tent at a “base camp” that provides accommodations for as many as 1,000 disaster workers.
The temporary set-up is funded by the state of Florida to house Red Crossers, FEMA-Americorps, Salvation Army, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and other partner organizations.
Two big tents are dedicated for sheltering and two more tents provide space for eating and recreation. Hot meals, showers, cots with storage bags, sinks, pillows and other amenities make a big difference for those working far from home.
“It makes sense to have everybody in one place,” a Red Cross health services volunteer commented. “A firefighter from Fort Lauderdale agreed: “I really like it, because I’m meeting people from all over. It's like we have all hands on deck!”
The personal relationships being made lead to stronger partnerships to address the needs of tens of thousands of people displaced from homes and jobs by Hurricane Michael. The “tent city” consolidates services so responders can focus on their primary mission: Bringing relief to the people of the Panama City area.