SOUTH CAROLINA Sept. 24, 2024— Twelve American Red Cross volunteers from South Carolina are deploying to North Florida where Tropical Storm Helene is predicted to make landfall on Thursday as a hurricane. Ahead of the storm, the Red Cross is mobilizing hundreds of trained workers, and prepositioning emergency response vehicles, thousands of relief supplies, and ready-to-eat meals to be ready to help.   

“Hopefully with the help that I can provide, it can make their day just a little bit better,” said Terry Barcelona, a Red Cross of South Carolina volunteer on his way to Florida. “Deploying is a great opportunity to meet and help people, it’s a great feeling you become a part of a family, it’s a great opportunity.”  

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to be a large system that will bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, gusty winds, and tornadoes across South Carolina beginning Thursday evening with potential impacts reaching well outside the storm’s anticipated track. The Red Cross is preparing to respond and urges South Carolinians to get ready now.  

                                                                         TROPICAL STORM SAFETY TIPS  

• Bring outdoor items inside, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, which could be picked up by high winds and hurt someone. Secure objects that can’t be brought inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks.  

• Before a storm threatens your community, make a plan to evacuate and one to shelter safely at home. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans.  

• To prepare for heavy rain, clean out drains, gutters and downspouts.  

                                                                                                                            Flood Safety

• During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Don’t return home until officials say its safe.  

• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Turn around, don’t drown!  

• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.  

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open shelters and expert advice on emergency situations. The Emergency App includes an “I’m Safe” feature that helps people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores, or go to redcross.org/apps.   

 About the American Red Cross:   

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.   

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