The Michigan Red Cross directs volunteers as the hurricane makes landfall

FLORIDA, USA — Ass Hurricane Jan arrives in Florida, the American Red Cross Region sends a team from Michigan before providing assistance.

As of Monday, a team of 12 had been dispatched to the Florida region to help staff Red Cross shelters. Officials say that number could increase in the coming days.

This isn’t the first team to travel outside of Michigan to help aid shelters in North America.

“We have ongoing disaster relief operations in North America, from wildfires on the West Coast to Typhoon Merbok in western Alaska to Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico. In addition, we are pre-positioning teams to the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Ian,” said Darwin C. Roche, regional officer for the Michigan Red Cross.

As of Wednesday, Hurricane Ian had made landfall in southwest Florida as a Category 4 hurricane. More than 2 million people were evacuated from their homes as heavy rains and wind gusts of up to 150 mph lashed the coast.

“We are grateful to our Michigan volunteers who will continue to support our disaster relief efforts,” Roche said. “The Red Cross continues to closely monitor the situation and is working with our partners in Florida to preposition volunteers and supplies in front of Ian. We will have disaster response teams and additional relief supplies to support those affected by Ian.”

Information about Red Cross shelters can be found at www.redcross.orgthe toll-free Red Cross Emergency Program or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

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