American Red Cross seeking volunteers amid multiple natural disasters effecting U.S. coasts

Fires rage in California while Hurricane Laura sweeps across the Gulf Coast leaving devastation in its path.

The American Red Cross provides relief and support to those in crisis. Now, they call upon the public to volunteer and/or donate to their cause.

Red Cross in Rapid City has deployed 24 local volunteers to aid in Louisiana and Texas, while monitoring the need for relief in both California and in Iowa where a derecho – fast-moving bands of thunderstorms with destructive winds – destroyed crops and left thousands without power.

Eight-hundred volunteers and employees for the American Red Cross are currently on the ground providing aid, but it might not be enough as natural disasters continue.

“It’s a great time to get involved in this, to learn now so you can be prepared and be ready,” says Executive Director of Western and Central South Dakota American Red Cross, Richard Smith. “You never know when it’s going to happen in our area. Whether it’s an October blizzard like we had in our area several years ago where we needed volunteers or whether it’s something else like a fire here.” 

Storm Laura hit shores Wednesday night and thanks to relief efforts, 10,000 people were able to find emergency lodgings in shelters or hotels.