Miami, Fla. (October 10, 2024) -- Milton, the third hurricane to hit Florida this year, follows quickly on the heels of Hurricane Helene, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain and damaging tornadoes to the region for the second time in two weeks. In response, more than 780 American Red Cross disaster workers from across the country are on the ground across the affected communities in Florida, delivering urgent relief, a large-scale relief effort that is only beginning. 

“To all coping with unthinkable loss and trauma: the Red Cross is here for you, and we will continue to stand alongside you in the days, weeks, and months ahead,” said Jill Palmer, Executive Director, American Red Cross Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter. 

Last night, the Red Cross operated hundreds of evacuation shelters in Florida, where volunteers and employees provided a safe place to take shelter for 83,000 residents who were forced to evacuate from their homes due to Hurricane Milton. 

In advance of Milton, we deployed tens of thousands of ready-to-eat meals, cots, blankets and other relief supplies to Florida. As conditions improve, dozens of emergency response vehicles will begin to travel through affected neighborhoods, delivering meals and relief supplies. 

People need urgent support now, and we can’t do this alone. Please help by making a financial donation or signing up to become a volunteer by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Financial donations to help people affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. You can also text the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a donation.

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.