With the threat of tropical weather, the Red Cross is preparing for anything the systems might bring.
Organizers say right now, it's important to watch the forecast tracks as they plan for the worst case scenario.
"In these events where we don't really know how strong it will be, where it will make landfall or even where the impacts will be on either side of the storm, that allows us to stage our supplies where they're easily accessible and ready our volunteers," said Stephanie Wagner, the Regional Director of Communications and Marketing for the Red Cross.
Wagner says the Red Cross is ready should Louisiana or our neighboring states be impacted by tropical weather. Though a lot of supplies are ready to go following the threat of Cristobal earlier this year, volunteers are still working hard today.
"We have volunteers preparing our kits for any kind of shelters that may have to be opened, evacuation centers and they're putting together our supplies for the relief operation should we have landfall here in Louisiana," Wagner said.
Amid COVID-19, relief efforts will look a little different on the ground.
"A lot of what we're going to be doing is behind the scenes and will be done in a virtual capacity," Wagner said. "We can do casework and serve communities after a disaster through a virtual environment. We can provide them with health and mental health services virtually. We will have a contingency of volunteers on the ground serving, supporting shelters and evacuation centers and feeding if that becomes necessary."
The Red Cross is trying to utilize local volunteers because of the pandemic, but if there is an overwhelming need, they'll bring people in.
Wagner said, "In an effort to practice social distancing and limit any kind of issues with COVID with people coming into the state, we're trying to strengthen our volunteer core in the city and the state."
The Red Cross says preparing for a storm does not have to be complicated.
It's important to get a game plan, have a preparedness kit and stay informed.
For details to volunteer, click here. To donate to the Red Cross, click here.
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