Seven Western and Central New York Volunteers Deploying to Support Hurricane Florence Response
Red Cross preparing to respond to several powerful storms across Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Hurricane Florence is an extremely dangerous storm and is on track to strike the coast of South Carolina or North Carolina beginning Wednesday. States of emergency have been declared in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The Red Cross is working in close collaboration with government officials and community partners to coordinate potential response efforts.
Seven volunteers from the Western and Central New York Region are deploying to support the Red Cross response to Hurricane Florence:
- John Thomas Aldasch of Canastota
- Michelle Fiermonte of Syracuse
- Thomas Lee Hough of East Syracuse
- Diana McLaughlin of Rochester
- Lewis Montemaggi of Pittsford
- Deborah Scherberger of Rochester
- Mark Sennett of Fairport
As we hit the peak of hurricane season, several powerful storms are impacting hundreds of thousands of people across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The American Red Cross is prepared to respond over 9,000 miles of land and sea through the next several days to help those in the path of these storms.
In addition to Hurricane Florence, Typhoon Mangkhut is hitting Guam today, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific. The storm could bring winds as high as 139 mph, with effects of the typhoon lasting several days. Also, Hurricane Olivia is expected to cross over Hawaii Tuesday and Wednesday, and watches are in effect for Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii counties. Olivia is predicted to bring strong winds and as much as 20 inches of rain to parts of the state.
People in the path of these storms should stay informed and take steps to get prepared now. Listen to local radio, NOAA radio, or TV stations for the latest information and updates, and obey any evacuation orders from local officials.
The Red Cross urges these three steps: build a disaster kit, come up with an emergency plan, and be informed about how local authorities will notify you, whether through local media or NOAA Weather Radio stations or channels.
People should also download the free Red Cross Emergency App to have real time information about the storm, shelter locations, and hurricane safety tips at your fingertips. The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
The Red Cross works 24/7 to be ready to respond to disasters such as hurricanes. Please donate to the Red Cross now to help. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.