Story originally published Septmeber 24, 2024; Updated September 26, 2024.
Hurricane Helene, a powerful and dangerous storm, is set to make landfall in Florida Thursday evening. The American Red Cross moved hundreds of disaster workers and positioned truckloads of supplies in advance of the imminent landfall.
As the climate crisis worsens, the Red Cross is well practiced in preparing and responding to storms like Helene. Over the last five years, the Red Cross has been there for 12 hurricane landfalls along the Gulf Coast. Helene is the fourth named storm to impact the Gulf Coast states this year.
In Central Florida, the Red Cross builds and supports relationships with our disaster partners all year long to help us deliver services when needed. We’re working closely with partners and officials across our counties to finalize response plans and urge Floridians to make their storm preparations now.
HOW TO PREPARE Make a plan to stay safe and know how you’ll stay connected. If an evacuation is ordered, be prepared to leave quickly. Have a plan for where you will go, how you will get there, where you’ll stay and what you’ll take with you. Be sure to include your pets in your plans.
If you shelter at home, be prepared for the possibility of a power outage. Make sure you have emergency supplies -- water, food & medicine -- and know how you will stay connected.
Stay informed by monitoring local weather and news reports. Have a backup way to charge your cell phone, and sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Visit floridadisaster.org to sign up for "Alert Florida" for your city or county.
You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice on storms in both English and Spanish. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
FIND A SHELTER Find open shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can also find shelters by following your local Red Cross and local emergency officials on social media, or by monitoring local news.
Hurricane evacuation shelters are typically only meant to shelter people for a short amount of time as a hurricane moves through. If possible, we encourage people who plan to seek shelter to bring essential items like prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.
HOW TO HELP Communities are facing potentially life-threatening impacts from this hurricane. The Red Cross urgently needs the support of the public to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like storms, fires and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
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