LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 26, 2024) – For the third time in just over a year, the American Red Cross is rapidly mobilizing volunteers and relief supplies to respond as Helene bears down on communities in the Florida Panhandle. The Red Cross has assigned some 360 trained disaster workers, stocked truckloads of supplies and is ready to open dozens of shelters to help people in need.
The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas Region is ready to help those impacted. Currently, 18 disaster responders from Missouri and Arkansas are deployed to support those in the path of Hurricane Helene. Five of the disaster responders are from Arkansas and thirteen are from Missouri. This includes two Emergency Response Vehicles (one from Arkansas and one from Missouri). The teams left earlier this week and another team with an ERV leaves from Little Rock today (Thursday).
“Time and time again, we have seen our volunteers step up to provide help and hope to those in need during their darkest hour,” Lori Arnold-Ellis, Executive Director for the Greater Arkansas Chapter said. “And we will continue to do so for as long as there is a need, whether at home or across the country.”
Those in the path can find evacuation shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can also find shelters by following your local Red Cross and local emergency officials on social media, or by monitoring local news. Hurricane season is kicking into high gear as meteorologists are closely watching possible storms showing signs of forming in the Atlantic. Helene could be the start of a series of back-to-back storms that threaten the U.S.
How to help
Right now, communities are preparing for potentially life-threatening impacts. The Red Cross urgently needs the support of the public to plan for and respond to disasters. You can help by making a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). To sign up to become a volunteer, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.
