The American Red Cross in northeast Georgia has already sent help to Hurricane Harvey ravaged portions of Texas.
Laura Allen, executive director of the organization in our area, said six local volunteers and one staff member have deployed.
Red Cross is drawing on current trained volunteers for the Texas effort. Allen said because of those training requirements, people who want to volunteer likely won't be ready in time for Texas.
"What would be fantastic is if this is the type of thing that people want to volunteer with, they can sign up to volunteer with us now, and the next time an event happens, we will send them," Allen said.
Locally, the outfit has also sent an emergency response vehicle or ERV to Texas.
"We have 2 volunteers typically that drive those. They've received several trainings at that point, and they distribute hot meals, snacks and water to impacted areas," Allen said.
With the safety of volunteers and staff at the top of the list, Allen said ERVs typically don't move into impacted neighborhoods until they're deemed safe.
As the storm hit Texas and began its slow moving dump of torrential rain last week, Allen said her office began preparation in the days leading up to it and remained busy throughout the weekend and Monday.
She said for those who want to help, financial contributions to the organization can be made in several ways. Allen referred people to the American Red Cross website. She also said individuals can text the word "Harvey" to 90999 to give a $10.00 donation. In addition, people can also call 1-800-REDCROSS.
