Idalia is now a hurricane expected to be a dangerous Category 3 storm when it makes landfall in Florida on Wednesday. The American Red Cross urges people in the path of Idalia to listen to local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so.

Parts of Florida and southern Georgia could see the effects of the storm today, with Idalia making landfall tomorrow, 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 Wednesday into Thursday.

People should listen to officials and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. Once conditions deteriorate, emergency personnel likely won’t be able to respond for some time.

As a result of the climate crisis, scientists warn that hurricanes are becoming more intense and more destructive with increased rainfall and higher storm surges. As extreme weather increases, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis at redcross.org/climate.

RED CROSS RESPONSE The Red Cross is ready to help with more than 400 Red Cross disaster responders and truckloads of supplies pre-positioned and ready to respond to Hurricane Idalia. We are working closely with government officials and community partners to support evacuation shelters for families in harm’s way.

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.

The Red Cross is also stocking hospitals in the Florida Panhandle with additional blood products to ensure they are able to keep adequate inventory on the shelves if transportation routes are impacted in the coming days. In addition, the Red Cross is pre-positioning blood products in other areas of the Southeast in advance of the storm and stands ready to provide additional blood products if hospitals need support.

FIND A SHELTER 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 (800-733-2767).

You can also check with local officials and monitor local news for information on where to find emergency shelter. In Florida, visit floridadisaster.org.

We encourage people who plan to stay in a shelter or evacuation center to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.

Download the free Emergency app for instant access to full weather alerts, help preparing for emergency situations and locations of open Red Cross shelters. Content can be viewed in English or Spanish, and is accessible for people with disabilities. Red Cross apps are available in the app store as well as on redcross.org/apps.

IF YOU ARE IN THE STORM’S PATH, be prepared to evacuate quickly and leave the area if local officials tell you to do so. Have your disaster kit ready. Review your emergency plan with everyone in your household.

Plan your evacuation route and alternates in case main roads are impassable. Don’t forget your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

After evacuating, don’t return home until officials say it is safe to do so.

FLOODING SAFETY Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.  

If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary. Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. 

Head for higher ground and stay there. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP You can help people affected by disasters like storms, wildfires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. 

Financial contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

For those interested in helping people specifically affected by Hurricane Idalia, we ask that they write “Hurricane Idalia” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or their local Red Cross chapter. 

Our volunteers represent 90% of our workforce. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities with your local chapter. Our most-needed disaster positions include supporting shelters and providing health services.