The Red Cross is preparing for what could be a large disaster response across multiple states over the next several weeks as 15 million people are now under warnings from Tropical Storm Isaac.

The Red Cross is in action throughout the Gulf region, providing shelter and help in Florida, and preparing to open evacuation shelters in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

 

The Midland Empire Chapter continues to play a role in the response to the storm, by deploying disaster responders throughout the Gulf Coast.   In a news release, officials said at present they have 12 members on assignment: eight in Florida, two in Alabama, one in Mississippi and one in Louisiana. In addition, eight members are on stand-by for deployment.

· In Florida, more than 560 people spent Sunday night in Red Cross shelters after Isaac brought heavy rain, power outages and flooding.

· Evacuations have been ordered in some areas along the Gulf and dozens of Red Cross shelters are on stand-by and were expected to open throughout the day

· Mobile kitchens and truckloads of relief supplies are on the way to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. More than 50 pre-positioned support trailers are ready with supplies.

· More than 1500 disaster workers have been deployed across the Gulf Coast to help with Red Cross efforts.

Officials call this a major storm that is expected to cause widespread damage. People can call, click or text to donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.