22 TN Red Crossers Still Helping with Hurricane Matthew Recovery Efforts

There are still 22 Tennessee Red Crossers deployed to the East Coast to assist with Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts. Many of them are deployed to the hard-hit areas of North Carolina and South Carolina. Thanks to all of the Red Cross volunteers and staff who have represented Tennessee and deployed!

Here's a recent photo of Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles in eastern North Carolina lining up to receive meals to deliver to residents cleaning up from the hurricane. 

You can help us help those recover from Hurricane Matthew by making a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

26 TN Red Crossers Still Deployed for Hurricane Matthew Relief

Thousands are still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew. Twenty-six Red Crossers from Tennessee are still in affected states along the East Coast, joining Red Cross volunteers from across the country to help those in need.

This photo was taken Tuesday in Lumberton, North Carolina, where the river had risen nearly three feet above flood stage after Hurricane Matthew dumped water down on the city. Countless homes in the area were submerged for days, and now the cleanup effort has begun. Families have emptied their homes of all of their belongings, most ruined and sitting on the curb waiting for garbage pickup. Furniture, clothes, pictures, and toys were destroyed, leaving people to start over.

You can help us help those recover from Hurricane Matthew by making a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

Red Cross Continues Massive Resonse to Hurricane Matthew

Almost two weeks after landfall, the American Red Cross continues its massive response to Hurricane Matthew by providing shelter, food, relief supplies, and hope across four states. This widespread relief effort involves three-fourths of our vehicle fleet and has resulted in more overnight stays in shelters than Superstorm Sandy. The Red Cross will be helping in the days and weeks to come, long after flood waters finally start to go down.

Help people affected by Hurricane Matthew by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from this disaster.

Photo by Mid-South Tennessee volunteer Bob Wallace for the American Red Cross.

From FL to NC, We've Served Over 1 Million Meals Since Hurricane Matthew Hit

Since Hurricane Matthew hit, the Red Cross and community partners have served more than one million meals and snacks, distributed more than 202,000 relief items, supported more than 20,000 health and mental health services, and provided 94,000 overnight stays in shelters. The Red Cross depends on donations to provide immediate relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Matthew by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from this disaster.

Photo by Mid-South Tennessee volunteer Bob Wallace for the American Red Cross.

Volunteer of the Month, Valerie Clark - Nashville Area - October 2016

The volunteer of the month for October 2016 is Valerie Clark, a year-long volunteer with the Nashville Area Red Cross. When asked why she decided to volunteer for the Red Cross, she said “I wanted to serve in my community with an organization that is rooted in disaster response.”

Not only does Valerie volunteer with Disaster Cycle Services, she also volunteers with Service to the Armed Forces to help military members, veterans and their families. Recently, Valerie participated in Nashville’s Marine Week where she handed out water to people enjoying the military equipment displays and exercises. She also helped with transporting equipment, communicating with Marine liaisons, and came in early and stayed later to help load and unload equipment.

She encourages other people to get involved and volunteer. “I wish people knew that it only takes a minute to change someone else's life for good.  The Red Cross gives their volunteers the chance to do that on a daily basis, in any capacity that your time allows,” she said.

When she’s not volunteering, Valerie is a real estate agent with Village Real Estate and is VP of her local Franklin Noon Rotary Club. She has two sons, ages 20 and 22.  

Valerie is a hardworking, valuable volunteer that we are thankful to have as part of our team!

Red Cross Hurricane Matthew Relief Efforts

Kinston, NC – (The Red Cross shelter at Kinston High School) – Jamiya and her sister Sandra brought their children, ages 4, 6 and 10 over to the Kinston shelter when their home in Kinston flooded.  While the mothers focused on getting their belongings in order, Aaliyah (6), Kay Steven (10) and Jahari (4) put their energy into building a tent out of cots and blankets, and playing with other kids staying at the shelter.

More than a week after Hurricane Matthew slammed into the southeast, people are still dealing with the aftermath of the devastating storm which left entire communities underwater and uprooted thousands of lives. The American Red Cross is there, providing shelter, food, relief supplies and hope to thousands of people across four states.

This widespread relief effort includes three-fourths of our national vehicle fleet and more overnight stays in shelters than after Superstorm Sandy. The Red Cross will be helping in the days and weeks to come, long after flood waters finally start to go down.

More than 2,100 people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida are still seeking refuge in 33 Red Cross and community shelters. The Red Cross has mobilized almost 5,000 disaster workers, 235 response vehicles, 19 partner-supported kitchens as well as truckloads of water, ready-to-eat meals, cots, blankets, kitchen items, cleaning supplies and comfort kits, insect repellent, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more. As conditions permit, Red Cross response vehicles are circulating through the hardest-hit areas, delivering food and relief supplies.

Overall, Red Cross and community partners have served more than 854,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 178,000 relief items, supported more than 18,000 health and mental health services, and provided 92,000 overnight stays in shelters.

Thank you to the dozens of Tennessee volunteers who have deployed to help with response efforts and to our donors who give financially so that we can prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters like Hurricane Matthew.

Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - October 2016

Once again, it’s that time of the year when the trees change color and air gets cooler, and with the change of seasons comes holiday celebrations. Just as we remove the masks and costumes, we begin making plans for the holidays and move into the Thanksgiving season.

I am ever mindful of the efforts of many dedicated people and resources that allow us to come to the assistance of others. The words “thankful and giving” are constantly in the Red Cross vocabulary but especially before all of us over the coming months.

It is also an exciting time for us to show thanks to those who serve to keep us safe. I love seeing Holiday Mail for Heroes come to life each year to give recognition to the men and women in military service and the many veterans in our area.

During the month of November we collect handmade cards designed by kids and crafty contributors in the community. Then, we distribute those creations to those on active local duty, reservists, and retired military individuals. This allows everyone to express themselves in a special way that displays our heartfelt appreciation of those who serve.

I am very happy we will also be a part of United Way Family Day in public presence at Hamilton Place Mall the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  We will have a booth there so that parents can bring their children by to make cards and kick off the Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign.  Please join us this year to show our military community how much we appreciate them.

--Julia

Importance of Volunteers

About 90 percent of the Red Cross is made up of volunteers, and most of the Tennessee Red Crossers currently deployed to states along the East Coast for Hurricane Matthew relief are volunteers.

Interested in volunteering with us? Visit redcross.org/volunteer today!

Donations & Movable Warehouses for Hurricane Matthew Relief

The Red Cross is saving money on warehouse overhead during Hurricane Matthew relief operations by creating movable warehouses. The movable warehouse in the video is in a neighboring parking lot of the Red Cross disaster headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina.

Southeast Tennessee Volunteer of the Month, Mark Windon - September 2016

Our September volunteer of the month is Mark Windon. He has volunteered with facilities and disaster services for about a year now and is always a reliable volunteer. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mark now resides in the Harrison area. He came to the area after serving in the Air Force and has stayed in the area for about 29 years. By day, Mark is a warehouse supervisor and also serves as a Priest for the Anglican Church USA. He is a huge believer in giving back to the community.

His road to the Red Cross has led him over many years to many different volunteer programs.  He spent years searching for an organization where he could serve in the ways he wanted and find an organization that utilized his skills. He came on board with the Red Cross as the incident with the serviceman shooting last July was wrapping up. He worked with the families, and being at the National Cemetery for those funerals left an impression on him. The Red Cross was actively working in the background without using the occasion to build themselves up: “they take care of what needs to be taken care of: first and foremost helping people. That impressed me.”

Now, Mark volunteers regularly as the facilities lead and also serves as the lead for the spiritual care team at the Red Cross, all while participating in community activities and with Armed Forces group. He finds the Red Cross to be very user-friendly and he is a great advocate, inviting others to contribute as well.

Mark believes the Red Cross does so much for so many people, and he enjoys being there to help wherever help is needed. His deep beliefs in participating in community service are rooted in his spiritual perspective. He aims to be a disciple of Christ- to walk that walk, to do what He did, and to be involved helping people in their worst moments. Getting out and getting involved is a lifestyle for Mark and he has shown that he is willing to step up and help!

Thank you, Mark!

From the Heart of an Intern - Tennessee River Chapter - October 2016

From the Heart of an Intern
by Melanie Hogin

It has been my pleasure to serve as an Intern from Austin Peay State University representing the Social Work program this semester at the TN River Chapter. I will graduate in December 2016 with a whole new perspective of humanitarian work.

When I signed on with American Red Cross, I had no idea what an amazing organization I would be a part of and how it will forever impact my life. I walk through our office and see our principles everywhere.  My favorite picture that hangs in our organization is the vision: “The American Red Cross always touches lives in new ways under the same trusted symbol.” The team here at the Tennessee River Chapter have been supportive and helped me to accomplish goals that I never dreamed were achievable.

When I joined the team in August, I wanted to help others who had been affected by disaster.  I had so much encouragement from the Director, Faye Anderson, Disaster Program Manager, Larry Crowell, and the chapter team, that I was able to finish all the online training and deploy to Hurricane Hermine relief in Tallahassee, Florida. This experience was incredible.  To be able to help these individuals, provide them with financial assistance, and listen to their stories was emotional at times, humbling, and created a fire inside of my soul.  I saw so much devastation in Tallahassee, individuals living without power and food. I witnessed the destruction that a hurricane can do to hardworking people just trying to live pay check to pay check. People do not have the means to save for a natural disaster when they can barely provide for their family on a day to day basis. That is where the American Red Cross and the kindness of the donors create change.

Without the donors of this organization, I would not have been able to embark on a journey that not only changed my life, but changed the economic situation of those individuals impacted.  At an internship, a student will focus on the task at hand which is to provide professional services, exhibit ethics that are learned throughout the program,  and finalize hours for graduation. My focus is what can I do to continue my journey long after my internship is over?

Letter from Mid-West Tennessee Executive Director, David Hicks - October 2016

Thoughts from a First Time Deployee

Greetings to all the Mid-West Tennessee chapter volunteers!

By now you may have already heard that I've been deployed for the first time since joining the Red Cross back in July. I’m serving as a Government Liaison in Georgia as part of our disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Matthew. I’m so proud to come alongside thousands of Red Cross volunteers from across the nation to help provide disaster relief from Hurricane Matthew for the southern part of the Eastern Coast.

I’m sure there will be many seasoned Red Cross veterans that I will have the privilege of getting to know personally during my deployment who will prove to be valuable for me by helping “show me the ropes”. I’ll admit that when I think of the deployment culture I realize how foreign it really is to me right now. I can only imagine at this time what it will be like to be in the Disaster Control Center and see all of the “moving parts” work together in unison to accomplish all we can to relieve the tragedy and heartache of so many communities and families. It is also a sobering thought to realize there will come a moment where I will travel to an area in the aftermath of the Hurricane. I’ll witness first-hand the damage and incomprehensible heartache in the eyes of those who've lost property (our even worse, family members and/ or loved ones).  

I hope my thoughts and curiosity about my deployment take many of you back in time to the memories of your own first deployment with Red Cross and all of the pride/ excitement/ anxiety that came with it. I've been told by many of you in the last couple of months that no matter how long you have served in the organization, there is nothing that can provide the full understanding and perspective of our cause like deployment can. I expect to understand that perspective in a much deeper way after I've been on site for the next few days.

Please continue to thoughtfully consider deployment of your own in the days and weeks to come. As I’m sure many of you can understand, there are struggles that will continue for those victimized by the storm in the weeks and months to come. The need for help and assistance will continue long after the “eyes of the nation” have turned to newer or more interesting stories. We all know how fickle the interest of a nation can be through the eyes of the media.

With that being said, I look forward to sharing some of my experiences with many of you when I return from deployment- and hearing some of yours from those who have also deployed in response to Hurricane Matthew. In a short time I've grown to be so proud of the volunteer spirit in our local chapter- Go team Mid-West TN!!

Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director, Michelle Hankes - October 2016

How did it get to be October already?  Really?

October is Fire Prevention Month.  Yes, every month is some kind of month, but let me point out that Tennessee is one of the highest ranking states for fire deaths and injuries. When I look at prior year fire reports I can tell you the very day it got cold enough in East Tennessee for people to turn on their heaters, because calls for home fires sky rocket that day.  Immediately.

What's upsetting is that so many of these fires could have been prevented by doing some early maintenance on units.  Are filters and pilot lights and all the other parts of the heating implement working correctly?  Are the dust balls swept clear?  Are fire extinguishers ready to go?  Are the smoke alarms in working order and younger than ten years?

This isn't just a "nice to do" kind of thing, but a "save the lives of your family" kind of deal.  I know Red Cross volunteers are ready to help anyone, anytime and anywhere, but I think we can all agree that not having a fire at all is the best option.  Take care of yourselves, and if you can, check on your neighbors and relatives who might not be able to do so themselves.

In this way we can all enjoy a happy autumn!

Michelle Hankes
Executive Director

Regional Executive Corner with Joel R. Sullivan - October 2016

October is Fire Prevention Month, and it's a perfect time to learn what you should do to prevent a fire in your home. In Tennessee and across the Nation, home fires are the number one disaster threat to you and your family. Home fires can be a deadly threat because they happen so quickly. Here are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent home fires and save lives:

INSTALL AND TEST SMOKE ALARMS Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half:

•           Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms.

•           Test smoke alarms once a month.

•           Change the batteries at least twice a year – if your model requires it.

•           Replace smoke alarms every ten years.

MAKE A PLAN People may only have two minutes to escape when a fire occurs. The Red Cross recommends that households develop a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Everyone should know two ways to escape from every room and designate a safe place to meet outside the home in case of a fire. Discuss the plan with all household members and practice it until everyone – including children – can escape in less than two minutes.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross Emergency App includes content on how to prevent home fires and what to do if one occurs. Parents can download the Monster Guard App to help their children learn what to do and how to protect themselves. Both apps can be downloaded for free in app stores or by going to redcross.org/apps.

JOIN THE RED CROSS HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN The American Red Cross and partners across the country have set a goal to install 45,000 smoke alarms in homes during the month of October as part of the ongoing Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. In the Nashville Area, we are installing smoke alarms in neighborhoods each weekend in October. If you'd like to sign up to volunteer, please contact David Kitchen at david.kitchen@redcross.org.

Together we can make our homes, and the homes of our friends and neighbors, a safer place!

Hurricane Matthew Report: TN Red Crossers Deliver Food to Flood Victims in SC

Tennessee Red Crossers Michelle and Bob joined fellow Red Crossers today to deliver food to flood victims at a church in Greelyville, South Carolina. They are two of more than 80 Tennessee Red Cross volunteers and staff who have deployed in the past couple of weeks to states along the East Coast that were affected by Hurricane Matthew. The Red Crossers are still assisting people affected by the aftermath of the hurricane, with many people needing assistance due to the wind damage and flooding.

11-Year-Old TN Boy & Smoke Alarm Save Family from Home Fire

A smoke alarm and the quick action of an 11-year-old boy in Memphis saved the boy and his family early Tuesday morning. The boy heard the smoke alarm and woke up the family, allowing them to escape a home fire quickly and safely. The Red Cross assisted the family. Check out the news link here for more on the family's story.

This story hits home for Fire Prevention Month and this month's theme of keeping #LovedOnesSafe. Families should practice fire drills so they can safely escape a house fire in two minutes, and they should check smoke alarms monthly to ensure that they are working properly. Additionally, it's very important for kids to know how to prepare for and survive a fire. For more information on this, visit this link.

Nearly 80 TN Red Crossers Deployed to FL, GA, SC & NC

Nearly 80 Tennessee Red Cross volunteers and staff have been deployed to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and now, North Carolina for Hurricane Matthew relief efforts. Our state's Red Crossers, along with many across the country, are bringing hope and relief to the many residents affected by the devastating hurricane. 

You can help us help those affected by Hurricane Matthew by making a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small across the U.S. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

American Red Cross Urges People to Prevent Home Fires

During Fire Prevention Month, the American Red Cross is asking every household in America to take some simple steps that can help prevent home fires and save lives.

INSTALL AND TEST SMOKE ALARMS Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half:
• Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms.
• Test smoke alarms once a month.
• Change the batteries at least once a year – if your model requires it.
• Replace smoke alarms every ten years.

MAKE A PLAN People may only have two minutes to escape when a fire occurs. The Red Cross recommends that households develop a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Everyone should know two ways to escape from every room and designate a safe place to meet outside the home in case of a fire. Discuss the plan with all household members and practice it until everyone – including children – can escape in less than two minutes

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross Emergency App includes content on how to prevent home fires and what to do if one occurs. Parents can download the Monster Guard App to help their children learn what to do and how to protect themselves. Both apps can be downloaded for free in app stores or by going to redcross.org/apps.

JOIN THE RED CROSS HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN The American Red Cross and partners across the country have set a goal to install 45,000 smoke alarms in homes during the month of October as part of the ongoing Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. The multi-year campaign kicked off in October of 2014 with a goal to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent during the five years of the campaign. Working with fire departments and community groups across the entire country, the Red Cross installs smoke alarms in homes in neighborhoods at high risk for home fires. In the last two years, more than half a million smoke alarms have been installed as part of the Home Fire Campaign.

Additional information on home fire safety and the Home Fire Campaign is available at redcross.org/homefires. The Red Cross also partners with a wide variety of partners that support the Fire is Everyone's Fight initiative to work together and reduce home fire deaths and injuries.

70+ TN Red Crossers Continue to Help Those Affected by Devastating Hurricane Matthew Damage

Across five states, nearly 7,000 people woke up this morning in 156 Red Cross and community emergency shelters, and several of Tennessee's 70+ deployed Red Crossers staffed and supervised some of these shelters.

As you've probably seen and heard in the news, the damage from Hurricane Matthew has been devastating. Even in areas where homes were on higher ground, further away from the water and less prone to flooding, wind damage from the hurricane caused older trees in historic and established communities in Georgia and South Carolina to fall onto homes, crushing them due to the age and size of the trees. Trees and large limbs covered streets and cars.

You can help those affected by Hurricane Matthew by making a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small across the U.S. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Photo Credit: Daniel Cima/American Red Cross

It’s Fire Prevention Week – Learn about Home Fire Campaign

This year, the National Fire Protection Association observes Fire Prevention Week from October 9 – 15. The American Red Cross and partners across the country have set a goal to install 45,000 smoke alarms during the month of October in homes all over the United States as part of the ongoing Red Cross Home Fire Campaign.

The multi-year campaign kicked off in October of 2014 with a goal to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent during the five years of the campaign. Working with fire departments and community groups across the entire country, the Red Cross installs smoke alarms in homes in neighborhoods at high risk for home fires. In the last two years, more than half a million smoke alarms have been installed as part of the Home Fire Campaign. The installation of 45,000 smoke alarms in October is the largest goal since the onset of the campaign, representing the highest number of smoke alarm installations in a single month.

The Home Fire Campaign is made possible through the generosity of hundreds of local partner organizations and volunteers, along with corporate partners Fred Meyer, Kidde, Motorola Solutions Foundation and Nationwide. As of August 31, the Red Cross and 3,600 partners have reached more than 591,000 people through home visits in 7,300 cities and towns all across the country. The Red Cross has also reached more than 581,000 youth through fire safety and preparedness programs.

HOW TO HELP People can join the Red Cross effort to save lives, reduce injuries and cut down on needless losses from home fires by making a financial donation to the Home Fire Campaign by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800 REDCROSS or texting FIRE to 90999. Their gift to Home Fires enables the Red Cross to provide critical services to people impacted by home fires along with the lifesaving tools and information to support home fire prevention efforts. People can also help by becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

They can also learn more about home fire safety and the Home Fire Campaign at redcross.org.

More TN Red Crossers Deploy as Hurricane Matthew Moves Up Along East Coast

As of last night, 73 Tennessee Red Cross volunteers and staff have joined nearly 2,000 Red Crossers nationwide along the East Coast to assist those affected by Hurricane Matthew.

As the hurricane moves up along the East Coast, the Red Cross continues to assist in stricken areas across five states. In Pembroke, Georgia, a Red Cross worker spoke to Stephanie Hughes about the storm’s impact to her property and to the neighborhood. “The storm hit at 1 a.m. this morning, and we were very scared [as trees started to come down, and] the water was rising in front of the house," Stephanie said. Her grandfather owned this home, and it has been in the family for generations.

You can help people like Stephanie by making a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small across the U.S. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Join Red Crossers Bob & Jennifer in Helping East Coast Folks

Mid-South Tennessee volunteer Bob Wallace poses yesterday with Palmetto South Carolina Regional Communications Director Jennifer Heisler last night in Charleston, SC. Bob, one of nearly 70 Tennessee Red Cross volunteers who's deployed to the East Coast to help with Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, is working with Jennifer to handle Red Cross public affairs in Charleston.

Along with South Carolina, Red Cross volunteers and staff from our state are also deployed to Florida and Georgia. We'll be sending more volunteers in the coming days. If you're interested in joining us as a Red Cross volunteer, please register at redcross.org/volunteer. And if you're interested in supporting our relief efforts along the East Coast, please make a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small across the U.S. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Nearly 70 TN Red Crossers Now Deployed to East Coast for Hurricane Matthew

Along with South Carolina, Red Cross volunteers and staff from our state are also deployed to Florida and Georgia. We'll be sending more volunteers in the coming days. If you're interested in joining us as a Red Cross volunteer, please register at redcross.org/volunteer. And if you're interested in supporting our relief efforts along the East Coast, please make a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small across the U.S. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

43 TN Red Crossers Deploy to East Coast; More Deploying Today

Red Cross volunteers and staff from all eight chapters throughout Tennessee are joining Red Crossers from across the nation deploying to the East Coast to assist folks living where Hurricane Matthew is striking.

As of last night, 43 Tennessee Red Cross volunteers and staff have deployed to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, and more will be on their way today and in the coming days. Eight of the state's emergency response vehicles have also been activated for the hurricane and have been deployed as well. Our state's Red Crossers are among more than 500 volunteers and staff from across the country who have deployed or are deploying to the East Coast. Evacuation shelters have been set up, and more are ready to open as needed. Learn more about the recent developments of the Red Cross preparation for the hurricane nationwide here.

The best way you can help people affected by Hurricane Matthew is by making a monetary donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small across the U.S. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.