According to a press release from the American Red Cross; Seventeen volunteers from Iowa are supporting the response to Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Wednesday (9/28). Some volunteers have been in Florida for days, not only preparing for the storm, but supporting residents who have evacuated their homes.

Hurricane Ian Slams Into West Coast Of Florida
BONITA SPRINGS, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: A storm damaged building after Hurricane Ian on September 29, 2022 in Bonita Springs, Florida. Hurricane Ian brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
loading...

In Addition, Red Cross emergency response vehicles from Waterloo and Burlington are scheduled to depart for Florida soon.

Hurricane Ian Slams Into West Coast Of Florida
SAN CARLOS ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: In this aerial view, boats sit grounded in a woodland area and along the side of the road after being pushed by rising water from Hurricane Ian near Fort Myers Beach on September 29, 2022 in San Carlos Island, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
loading...

Currently 730+ trained Red Cross disaster workers from across the country are supporting the relief effort, with more are on the way. Wednesday night (9/28), more than 33,000 people sought refuge in approximately 260 evacuation shelters across Florida to escape Hurricane Ian. As conditions slowly improve over the coming days, response efforts will expand as evacuation centers transition to emergency shelters.

Hurricane Ian Slams Into West Coast Of Florida
BONITA SPRINGS, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Vehicles float in the water after Hurricane Ian on September 29, 2022 in Bonita Springs, Florida. Hurricane Ian brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
loading...

Prior to the storm, the Red Cross mobilized 83 truckloads of cots (movable beds), blankets, comfort kits, and relief supplies. Plans were made to help as many as 60,000 people.

Hurricane Ian Slams Into West Coast Of Florida
SAN CARLOS ISLAND, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Boats sit atop one another in a marina near Fort Myers Beach on September 29, 2022 in San Carlos Island, Florida. Hurricane Ian brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
loading...

Hurricane Ian is expected to make a second landfall Today (9/30) with tropical storm warnings out for Georgia and the Carolinas and flooding possible this weekend across the Appalachians. The Red Cross is also preparing to assist in those areas.

Charleston Prepares For Arrival Of Hurricane Ian
ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 30: In this NOAA handout image taken by the GOES satellite at 13:26 UTC, Hurricane Ian approaches the Atlantic coast of northern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas on September 30, 2022 in the Atlantic Ocean. After crossing the state of Florida bringing devastating floods and damage, Ian is expected to bring more hurricane-force winds as it travels north along the coast. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)
loading...

Anyone interested in supporting those affected by Hurricane Ian can visit redcross.org.

Hurricane Ian Slams Into West Coast Of Florida
PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 30: In this aerial view, vehicles drive through standing water left in the wake of Hurricane Ian on September 30, 2022 in Port Charlotte, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surges, and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
loading...

Volunteers from Iowa are also in Puerto Rico to support Hurricane Fiona response efforts and in Alaska as part of the response to Typhoon Merbok.

Hurricane Ian Slams Into West Coast Of Florida
SANIBEL, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: In this aerial view, the Sanibel Causeway bridge collapsed in places after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on September 29, 2022 in Sanibel, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
loading...

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.

 

Footage Of Aftermath In Florida From A Local News Station (11Alive YouTube Channel)

 

TIPS: Here's how you can prepare for power outages

More From WDBQ-FM