Aurora Ramirez heard dire warnings about Hurricane Beryl on the news and evacuated her apartment. The Victoria, Texas, resident took her daughter, son and close friend to the American Red Cross shelter at St. Joseph High School.

Ramirez's husband, Jose, decided to stay behind to care for their home and three dogs, Marrana, Tito and Negro and their cat, Puma.

Ramirez, who originally hails from Brownsville, Texas, knew her apartment would not withstand the possible intense winds and floods a hurricane can cause. After 23 years of calling Victoria home, Ramirez already knew what to expect, as flooding is frequent. 

The arrival of Hurricane Beryl introduced the Red Cross to the Ramirez family. Ramirez brought her close friend Nora Chaves with her to ensure she was also safe. The pair volunteer at Christ's Kitchen, a local charity, where they help organize and distribute food, clothing and school supplies to the Victoria community. As they help those in their community, they understand why the Red Cross is here to offer them help. 

In Spanish, Ramirez said, "God left me in this world for something; it is to help others. Thank you all for your help and for taking care of us while we wait for Beryl to pass." 

As Ramirez checked in with Red Cross volunteers for her shelter stay, she requested an extra cot be reserved next to her for her husband. Ramirez came prepared for her shelter stay by bringing her blankets, pillows and other comfort items.

"We are ready for what is coming and glad the Red Cross has offered us a place to stay. My husband is preparing our house before it gets bad, but I wanted my daughter, son and I to get here safe," explained Ramirez. 

Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free. The Red Cross doesn't require people to show identification to enter a shelter — beyond their name and where they lived before the disaster. For open shelters, visit   www.redcross.org/shelters.