Utahns Preparing To Help With Hurricane Florence Relief
Sep 13, 2018, 12:14 AM | Updated: 1:19 am
Astronaut on ISS snaps photos of Hurricane Florence spinning in the Atlantic Hurricane.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Several Utahns are heading to the mid-Atlantic coast to help as Hurricane Florence approaches.
Sixteen firefighters from agencies across the Wasatch Front are heading to Virginia, where they will be on standby for water rescues. The American Red Cross Utah Region is also sending volunteers and staff members to help.
“We prepare for the worst-case scenario and so when it hits, when it happens, the Red Cross is there to take care of business,” said Red Cross director of communications Rich Woodruff.
Woodruff said even though the hurricane is more than 2,000 miles from Utah, people here can still make a difference.
“Think of all the blood drives that will be canceled. We need to know that blood is on the hospital shelves when it’s needed,” he said. “We have the ability to ship blood anywhere in the U.S. on a moment’s notice, so donating here locally helps ensure that the supply is where it’s needed most and when it’s needed most.”
Woodruff said financial donations are always helpful as well. Some donations, he said, can be designated for Hurricane Florence relief efforts. You can send money from your phone by texting “Florence” to 90999. That will add a $10 donation to the American Red Cross. You can also donate or learn more on the Red Cross’ website: redcross.org.
