PHOENIX — The American Red Cross in the Arizona region is mobilizing to help with Hurricane Dorian.
Six hundred volunteers nationwide have already headed towards the region of Florida, the Carolinas and Georgia. The volunteers are taking emergency kits, food, supplies and many of the needs that will be a lifeline for thousands in the next few days.
"We will probably be sending more but right now, 22 people are on the way or there as we speak," says Don Speck of the regional office of the American Red Cross.
Their Mobile Feeding Truck - Emergency Response Vehicle is leaving Saturday afternoon for Alabama to wait for the storm to make landfall in the United States.
One of the biggest challenges right now is the ever-changing path of Hurricane Dorian.
"The one thing we have seemed to notice is that it was a little slow initially, and now it's looking like North Florida and the Carolinas," adds Speck.
The AMR counts on volunteers and the generosity of the community. Those who volunteer can expect to be deployed anywhere from two to four weeks. They also know that they need to be flexible with their locations and areas assigned.
"Storm surge is one of the biggest concerns because that can have a huge impact on people's safety and being able to save lives," adds Speck.
The American Red Cross has made it easy and convenient for people to donate. Text Dorian to 90999 and you will be able to donate $10 almost instantly. Also, blood donations are needed.
"Blood drives might be canceled...as well, and typically summers are a time when more people are on vacation. They don't have ability to donate blood so it's an ongoing thing that we are always challenged with," adds Speck.
The American Red Cross says they have 60 truckloads in the outskirts of where the storm is expected to hit. Those trucks are ready to be deployed as soon as Dorian makes landfall and those supplies are needed.
