(Des Moines, IA) -- Several Iowan Red Cross volunteers have been sent to Florida, in advance of Hurricane Ian. Spokesperson Emily Holley in the Des Moines Red Cross office says several more volunteers are on standby, and may head south as well.
Holley says she expects the disaster relief response will be big, given what is known about the strength and path of the storm.
She says it's a busy time for the Red Cross, with volunteers assistant people in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona and volunteers in western Alaska after severe storms this month caused heavy damage, flooding, and landslides.
She says they can always use more volunteers to respond to disasters out of state or to remain in Iowa and respond to local emergencies, including house fires. Holley says monetary donations are another way Iowans can help if they wish.