Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 27, 2024) — An American Red Cross of Northern Nevada trained disaster relief volunteer deployed to Florida this week before Hurricane Helene made landfall on Thursday. Teams and relief supplies were strategically positioned to support those in the storm’s path.
Thousands of people are dealing with the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene and American Red Cross disaster workers are with them, providing comfort, support and relief. In just the past 48 hours, the Red Cross has opened or supported more than 140 shelters for nearly 9,400 people who have evacuated their homes.
The Northern Nevada Red Cross volunteer joined over 500 trained disaster workers from across the nation to assist with disaster relief. “Our Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteer is ready to bring hope and assistance to Florida,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Red Cross volunteers’ dedication to helping others nationwide is commendable, and we are proud of their readiness to support during crises.”
Northern Nevada Red Cross volunteer Timothy Christy from Genoa, who has deployed six other times, is assisting with sheltering for those evacuated from their homes in Florida.
Positioning of volunteers and supplies
The Red Cross strategically placed supplies, vehicles, and relief workers in Florida to ensure a prompt response after Hurricane Helene impacted the region. Coordination with local community partners and emergency responders continues to provide support at evacuation centers. The Red Cross prepared more than 50,000 snacks and ready-to-eat meals, as well as emergency response vehicles prior to Hurricane Helene making landfall.
The American Red Cross sent hundreds of blood products to Florida to ensure the blood supply remains stable for patients who may be impacted by the storm. The Red Cross expects cancellations of blood drives and a decrease in donor turnout across the Southeast as communities face dangerous weather conditions.
Join the team
After initial training, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, like home fires, offering immediate support on-site or remotely. With experience and additional training, volunteers can deploy to major emergencies or disasters locally and nationwide. Explore local disaster volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.
Every day, individuals and families in our community rely on Red Cross volunteers for assistance. Volunteers help people affected by disasters, donate blood, teach lifesaving skills and support active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. Discover a volunteer role that suits you best at redcross.org/volunteer.
Support people affected by disasters
Make a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to help prepare for, respond to, and assist recovery from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or donate by texting “HELENE” to 90999.
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.