FLORIDA, USA — Some local organizations are already in Florida and other affected areas ready to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
An area Red Cross leader talked to 5NEWS about the moment the hurricane made landfall and what's happening now.
Kim Mailes, the Public Affairs Manager for the Missouri and Arkansas branch of the Red Cross, said he is in Live Oak, Florida, delivering food and water to those hit hardest by Helene.
Mailes said preparations for the storm began two weeks ago, and he has been in Florida since Tuesday, before the hurricane made landfall.
He said by the time the hurricane hit, the American Red Cross had over 300 volunteers on the ground ready to help.
Mailes said the storm brough heavy winds and knocked down large trees, blocking roads.
Despite the destruction, Mailes said many in the community have come out to help.
"Disasters are a terrible thing, but everywhere I go, I will also say this, the bright side is it brings out the best in people, and so people are helping each other," Mailes said. "Neighbors are helping each other, and the Red Cross can't do this job completely alone, so we cooperate and partner with local not for profits and aid organizations, to get the best service possible to those that have been affected by this storm, so we can get them back on their feet again."
Mailes added that right now, there are more than 500 American Red Cross volunteers on the ground in the various states affected, and more are on the way.
He said after their initial response phase, they will pivot to the recovery stage.
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