posted August 28, 2008
The Greater Chattanooga Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has deployed two volunteers in Mississippi and two in Louisiana advance of Hurricane Gustav.
By taking a proactive stand, getting volunteers and equipment to staging areas throughout the Gulf Coast states, the Red Cross will be able to respond quickly to the immediate needs of those impacted by the storm, officials said.
Until Gustav makes landfall local Chapters are on standby regarding the deployment of additional volunteers to the affected region or the support for shelter operations in their communities, it was stated. The severity of the storm, its eventual path and decisions made by government officials will determine how the local chapters respond.
The Greater Chattanooga Area Chapter has been notified by TEMA to be ready to handle up to 150 evacuees.
Claudia Moore said, "The Red Cross has plans in place regarding mass sheltering operations and details will be announced when the storm's path is clearer and each state's evacuation plans are finalized. We have already identified local volunteers to help with the Chattanooga shelter operation should we be needed."
Other things to note:
The Red Cross is doing Mass Care only. That means shelters, no hotel rooms for evacuees. This creates a more efficient process for providing shelter for those unable to stay with relatives or in hotels.
Those wishing to help are directed to the national Disaster Relief Fund. To assist with local efforts please log onto chattanoogaredcross.org/donate.
Those wishing to become a disaster volunteer should visit the website (chattanoogaredcross.org) for more information.
Ms. Moore said, "Our first line of volunteers are those who have already taken Red Cross training, however anyone wishing to help should contact our office at 423 265-3455 or complete the online new volunteer registration form. Should large scale shelters be needed we will be calling upon spontaneous volunteers to help.
The Red Cross is collaborating with partner agencies to a greater extent than ever before and will be relying FEMA to handle any actual evacuations."
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