The eye of Hurricane Dorian has yet to hit land in the U.S., but that's not stopping people from Western New York from heading south to help.
- Dorian is a monster hurricane moving at a slow pace
- The storm has claimed a number of lives
- Local Red Cross volunteers heading to FL, GA and SC
The Red Cross has sent 17 trained volunteers from the Western and Central New York Chapter to Florida, Georgia and South Carolina — two from Western New York specifically.
They are setting up evacuation shelters, getting supplies ready and sorting out prepackaged meals.
The local chapter does not have anyone in the Bahamas but they are ready to lend a hand if needed.
"Red Cross International has volunteers in the Bahamas and they are there. They were preparing for the storm, and they'll be there stationed ready to respond and provide relief once the storm has passed," said Danielle Byrnes, American Red Cross Western New York executive director.
The Western New York volunteers in South Carolina, as well as the others, are expected to be there from two to three weeks.
Those looking to find out about friends and family currently in the Bahamas can call the U.S. State Department at 1-888-407-4747. Those wishing to donate to the Red Cross can click here.