Local Red Cross volunteers deployed before Hurricane Florence

(SAVANNAH) (WSAV) – Preparations to deal with the consequences of hurricane Florence are already underway in the coastal empire. Local Red Cross volunteers are currently waiting. Volunteers from the Savannah Region Red Cross chapter, experienced in disaster relief work, set out on Monday before noon. They did some checks before they left their vehicle and the inventory inside, before taking the road to face the coming storm. Esther Sheppard, executive director of the Southeast American Red Cross and Coastal Georgia, says that two of her emergency response vehicles, ERVs, are being deployed. "Their role is to distribute, distribute food, which is crucial because when people try to clean up after a disaster, it is very important to have food and meals." Provisions. Sheppard said.

ERVs are heading west to locate in an area deemed safe to prepare for their response. The Red Cross works closely with local, state and national officials and partners to prepare its resources and staff and has already established action plans based on several location scenarios. The Red Cross is leaning forward to make sure that it is ready to support residents throughout the state and, if necessary, across the state's borders.

Kermit Lasley and Leslie Stewart are one of two ERV teams in the Savannah area who are being sent to help with storm recovery. The two men say they have already served as Red Cross volunteers in the disaster recovery areas. They say that their volunteer work is not paid in dollars, but it makes sense for their souls. "We do not receive any salary for this, but my satisfaction is to see the smile on the faces of the children and the smile on the faces of the individuals that they are helped in case of need and that no, that is my gratification. " Lasley said. Stewart says that he is in agreement.

"It 's not a better satisfaction than helping those in need and my personal gratification comes from those who depend on us to be there and it' s just a blessing to have. to be there, for those who have lost everything or gone through difficult times. " said Stewart. The two men are among the few regions that hope to make the difficult times that followed Hurricane Florence a little less difficult by providing help when help can not wait. "Even deploying our emergency response vehicle requires financial resources to put gas in these vehicles to get volunteers where they need to be. Local, public and community financial resources are therefore crucial. Sheppard said. She adds that the Red Cross is ready to ensure its availability to help residents throughout the state and, if necessary, across the state's borders. The ERVs of the local Red Cross are organized in Macon and will be deployed according to Hurricane Florence.