American Red Cross Michigan Region Deploys Team of Volunteers to Florida
Team to assist with disaster relief and response efforts as Hurricane Ian approaches.
Team to assist with disaster relief and response efforts as Hurricane Ian approaches.
As the state of Florida prepares for Hurricane Ian, the American Red Cross Michigan Region is deploying a team of volunteers to assist with disaster relief and response efforts there.
“We have ongoing boots-on-the-ground disaster relief operations across North America, from the wildfires on the West Coast to Typhoon Merbok in western Alaska to Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico. In addition, we’re pre-positioning teams in the gulf coast for Hurricane Ian,” said Darwin K. Roche, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Michigan. “Historically, the Michigan Region of the Red Cross has been a leader in coordinating volunteer deployments where the need is most. Our volunteers are stepping up once again to meet that need in communities in the path of Hurricane Ian.”
As of Monday, 12 Michigan Red Cross volunteers are being deployed to the Florida Region in anticipation of staffing Red Cross shelter locations. The number of deployments could increase as Red Cross mobilization efforts continue in Florida, Roche said.
“We’re grateful to our Michigan volunteers who will be providing support to our disaster relief efforts,” Roche said. “The Red Cross continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with our partners in Florida to pre-position volunteers and supplies ahead of Ian. We’ll have disaster teams and more relief supplies on the way to support those impacted by Ian.”
Information about Red Cross shelters can be found on www.redcross.org, the free Red Cross emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz | david.olejarz@redcross.org | 313-303-0606
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.