TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Local Red Cross volunteers are ready to take action to bring relief to people up and down the coast as Hurricane Dorian creeps up on the coast of Florida.
Betty Money, a Red Cross volunteer, knows first hand the devastation a hurricane can bring.
"My oldest daughter lost her house during Hurricane Hermine and the Red Cross was very vital in making sure she had places to stay, clothing, food, shelter so it's my way of giving back to the community," said Money.
When Money found out a need in the community needed to be met, she immediately jumped in to help.
"As soon as I hear about hurricane Dorian, I knew that I was coming down here so after church yesterday I came down here and said put me where I need to be," said Money.
The local Red Cross chapter dedicated time on Monday to train the next group of emergency shelter volunteers.
"They will actually learn how to function as a shelter they will learn how to set up a shelter, check people in and register them and care for them how to serve the snacks and the water and just how to be a calming presence and friendly face during a difficult time," said Sandi Poreda, board member for the Capital City Chapter of the Red Cross.
And while Dorian may not be tracking toward the Big Bend, there are still another two months of hurricane season. Tallahassee may need its own shelter at another time.
"People need to know what when they come to a Red Cross evacuation shelter that it's a safe temporary place to ride out the storm," said Poreda.
And the Red Cross is standing by to set up those shelters wherever the need arises.
As of now, the volunteers are waiting to see what part of the state they will be assigned to.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, you do not have to have prior experience. To find out how you can volunteer, click here.
