Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 25, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada has deployed two trained disaster relief volunteers to Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s expected landfall late Thursday. Teams and relief supplies are being strategically positioned to support those in the storm’s path.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts that Hurricane Helene will rapidly strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, making landfall with winds of 120-125 mph. Over the past 13 months, the Red Cross has responded to Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Francine and now Helene, which is headed toward Florida’s Big Bend region.
Southern Nevada Red Cross volunteers are joining over 350 trained disaster workers from across the nation to assist after the hurricane makes landfall. “Our Red Cross of Southern Nevada volunteers are ready to bring hope and assistance to Florida,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Their dedication to helping others nationwide is commendable, and we are proud of their readiness to support during crises.”
The Southern Nevada team includes Tammy Brandl from Pahrump, who has deployed 24 times, and Karla Brown from Henderson, who is on her first deployment.
Positioning of volunteers and supplies
The Red Cross has strategically placed supplies, vehicles, and relief workers in Florida to ensure a prompt response after Hurricane Helene impacts the region. Coordination with local community partners and emergency responders is underway to provide support at evacuation centers. The Red Cross is preparing about 45,000 snacks and ready-to-eat meals, as well as emergency response vehicles.
The American Red Cross has 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 brace for 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 text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 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.