By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
American Red Cross volunteers have deployed to Florida to assist in relief efforts after Hurricane Idalia hit last week.
However, Red Cross volunteers are also working on other disasters around the country.
Executive Director for the Greater Kansas City and northwest Missouri chapter JoAnn Woody says overall 15 or 16 volunteers are currently deployed.
"So, we have probably about five or six people in Hawaii supporting response efforts out there," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We've got one individual who is deployed to Spokane, Washington supporting efforts there after wildfires."
Woody says five volunteers from the Greater Kansas City chapter have deployed to Florida for hurricane relief.
Woody says what volunteers will assist with will depend on some key factors.
"What is the damage, what are the impacts, who has been affected, and what do we need to do to support these folks?" Woody explains.
Woody points out the initial efforts revolve around finding the people affected adequate shelter, food, and medicine if it's needed.
Woody says volunteers are asked to give two to three weeks of their time while deployed
"That allows for continuity, it allows for consistency in service, and it helps us be much more efficient with all of the costs that go with transporting, and housing, and taking care of volunteers on the ground," Woody says. "And it helps them really get their stride with that two-to-three-week assignment."
Woody says some volunteers will offer to extend and stay longer to help the communities affected, sometimes staying four to six weeks on site.