Eight Georgia volunteers head west to help with Washington flood relief
The deployment comes as communities face continued flooding threats and recovery efforts.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Eight disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of Georgia are deploying from the state to western Washington to help with relief efforts after catastrophic flooding.
According to a news release from the Red Cross, the volunteers are heading west as communities in Washington continue to deal with the impacts of last week’s atmospheric river storms, which brought heavy rain and strong winds, with more severe weather possible in the days ahead.
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the flooding across western Washington,” said Adelaide Kirk, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Georgia. “As people there face the possibility of more severe weather this week, on top of last week’s catastrophic flooding, we are incredibly thankful for our dedicated volunteers who have left their families during the holiday season to help.”
The American Red Cross says more than 250 disaster volunteers are currently working around the clock with local and state partners to provide shelter, food, emergency supplies and other assistance. Multiple emergency shelters have been opened, with more than 800 overnight shelter stays reported so far.
Red Cross teams have provided more than 6,700 meals and snacks and are offering additional services at shelters, including access to charging stations, basic necessities and information for displaced residents. Disaster health volunteers are also treating minor injuries and helping replace essential items such as eyeglasses and medications, while disaster mental health workers provide emotional support to those affected.
Where conditions allow, Red Cross volunteers are assessing residential damage to determine what assistance families may need in the coming days and weeks. The Red Cross of Georgia says it remains ready to deploy additional disaster-trained volunteers if needed.
Those who want to help can donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999. The Red Cross is also encouraging people in Georgia to consider volunteering, with opportunities ranging from disaster response to supporting military families and blood donation efforts.
