[NEW ORLEANS] October 6, 2026  — With forecasters warning that a system in the Gulf could become Tropical Storm Isaias and bring damaging winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surge to Louisiana as early as Friday, the American Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers, pre-positioning relief supplies and urging residents to prepare now.

"The time to prepare is now, while the weather is still calm," said Kenneth St. Charles, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region. "Our volunteers are in place and ready to help, but we need every family to have a plan, build a kit and be ready to evacuate if local officials say it's time to go."

The Red Cross is closely monitoring the storm, coordinating with local officials and partners as communities prepare for possible impacts and has alerted disaster responders ahead of the storm. People should make sure they have an emergency plan, gather essential supplies and be ready to evacuate if instructed to do so.
 

ACTION STEPS  
Take these steps now to get your household ready.

Make a plan. Determine your best protection from high winds and flooding. Have a plan to evacuate if asked to do so by local officials, and a plan to shelter safely. Get help at redcross.org/hurricane.

Build an emergency kit.  Gather and organize supplies into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. If you already have a kit, check and refresh the supplies. Find a list of suggested supplies at redcross.org/kit.

Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. Sign up for emergency alerts in your community.

Download the FREE Red Cross Emergency app for instant access to full weather alerts, help preparing for emergency situations and open Red Cross shelter locations. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
 

HOW TO HELP 
The need for help during disasters has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most.

Help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org/louisiana or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission and represent 90% of our workforce. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find opportunities.

Note to Producers and Assignment Editors:
Interview availability: Kenneth St. Charles, CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region is available for live, virtual and phone interviews.
 

Kenneth can discuss:

• How the Red Cross is staging volunteers and supplies ahead of Friday's impacts.

• Simple steps families can take today to protect their homes and build an emergency kit.

• When to evacuate, and what to bring to a shelter.

• How to find open shelters using the free Red Cross Emergency App.

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.