(FLORIDA) The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Crossed, headquartered in Murfreesboro, is helping Hurricane Ian victims in devastated Florida. 

Chapter Executive Director John Mitchell said, "I hope you and any loved ones you have in Florida, Georga, Virginnia, the Carlonia’s, are doing well. If you or a loved one needs to find a safe place to stay, visit redcross.org, download the Red Cross Emergency app, or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)."

The Red Cross is closely monitoring Ian’s tracks, which cover a wide area. We have responders and supplies strategically positioned within communities that have been impacted. We’ll also continue to coordinate preparedness efforts with government and community partners so that, together, we can help all of people who may be affected by Ian.

You can support our work and serve as a trusted source of information by: 

•           Making a financial gift to the Hurrian Ian.

•           Sharing updates on the Red Cross response via social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, I proudly support our lifesaving work. Please join me!)

•           Asking an organization to set up a Microsite. If not your company, maybe a vender? See attachment

Mitchell noted, "We’ll continue to provide the most current information as we receive it. Please share these updates with your friends, family, and contacts."

Sunshine State

Friday morning (9/30/2022), nearly 2 million customers across Florida remained without power following Hurricane Ian’s historic and catastrophic landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm. Heavy rain and massive storm surges have inundated coastal communities. The full extent of Ian’s damage is not yet known as many roadways and bridges remain inaccessible.

• Emergency responders have been hard at work, performing water and air rescues as tens of thousands of Floridians are displaced by dangerous flood waters and extensive damage.

Red Cross volunteer Cynthia Myatt checks up on the Wilberts who are staying in the evacuation shelter at the Lost Lake Elementary School in Clermont, Florida. The shelter, staffed by Red Cross volunteers and County Health Services nurses, is caring for local residents who were forced from their homes by Hurricane Ian.

"My wife is on oxygen," related Tom Wilbert, "and I didn't want her be at home if the electricity went out. I'm her caregiver."

Wilbert remembers the power interruptions and devastation from Hurricane Irma, and wanted to be prepared. He said that he and his wife also took shelter in this same building for a storm in 2019. The Wilberts also brought along their two dogs.

Photo by Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

After any disaster, the first priority of the American Red Cross is to provide for the immediate basic needs of those displaced and impacted. For thousands of people who spent the night in evacuation centers Thursday night due to Hurricane Ian, that means providing a safe place to sleep, clean drinking water and nourishing meals.

Naglaa Morsy is one of those tens of thousands of residents who were unable to go home last night. She came to the shelter at Masjid Al-Rahman Muslim Center to help, bringing extra supplies "just in case." Morsy was impressed by the Red Cross presence, saying "the volunteers were very respectful of our customs and beliefs and it really touched my heart. I hope this sends a message that we can all get along together."

For additional ideas on how you can support our work, please see the attached document, How Board Members Can Help During Disaster.  If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me at 615-651-3405 or john.mitchell2@redcross.org