Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida’s “Big Bend” this morning as a Category 3. Bringing a life-threatening storm surge as well as major flooding, wind damage and possible tornadoes to the region, the storm will spread to the Carolinas later today.

Red Cross disaster workers are pre-positioning 45 specialty response vehicles and truckloads of supplies in advance of Idalia. This includes technology equipment, some 100,000 ready-to-eat meals and enough shelter supplies to support 20,000 individuals. Additional volunteers and emergency supplies are on standby in case they are needed. 

Among the volunteers is Joe Boals from Tallahassee, Florida. Joe has been with the American Red Cross since 2005 and has worked in all capacities during disasters, from mass care to sheltering to public affairs. He was a part of our response to Hurricane Katrina and still has his badge to prove it! Yesterday, Joe and other volunteers were at an evacuation shelter set up in Richardson Community Center. The shelter opened to the public in the evening and welcomed everyone, along with their fur babies. 

All Red Cross shelters provide a safe place to stay for those who have been ordered to evacuate their homes prior to a storm. They typically are only meant to house residents for 12-72 hours until the storm moves through. Residents are encouraged to bring their sleeping supplies, such as cots and blankets, because it may not be possible or practical to move in supplies for such a short term.  

Joe, being a Red Crosser and pet owner, rescued his dog King from a home fire response years ago and King has since become an important part of his life.

“Pets are a part of the family. They provide comfort and a sense of normalcy to their families, just as we provide the same for them,” said Joe.

To make sure people have a safe place to stay during Idalia, Red Cross disaster workers and community partners are opening and supporting evacuation centers and shelters. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. 

Written by Dariana Molina, American Red Cross Public Affairs