News Summary
As Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm, nears Florida, the American Red Cross is gearing up its volunteer efforts to assist communities. Local volunteers are being trained to manage emergency shelters, ensuring readiness for potential impacts. The Red Cross plans to open at least 10 shelters in Duval County if necessary. Community preparation is crucial, and residents are encouraged to stay informed. The Red Cross has raised $350,000 in donations to support disaster response, demonstrating Jacksonville’s commitment to aiding those affected by natural disasters.
Jacksonville – As Hurricane Milton, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, approaches Florida, the American Red Cross is mobilizing local volunteer efforts and preparing communities for potential impacts. Hurricane Milton was classified as a Category 4 storm and is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and possible power outages to the area.
To ensure safety and support for residents, local volunteers, known as “Shelter Heroes,” are being trained to open and operate emergency shelters. A training session is taking place in Downtown Jacksonville where volunteers are acquiring vital skills, such as handling registration and serving meals to those in need. The Red Cross is poised to staff at least 10 shelters in Duval County if the situation dictates.
In light of the impending storm, the Red Cross holds training sessions every other week throughout the year to maintain a ready workforce. Donna McNair, the Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, emphasizes the importance of local volunteers in disaster response, pointing out their ability to connect quickly with the community.
Christian Smith, the CEO of the American Red Cross of North Florida, stresses the importance of residents taking action to prepare for Hurricane Milton’s impact. The organization is mobilizing trained volunteers and is readied with essential sheltering supplies including cots, blankets, meals, water, and hygiene kits. Collaboration is ongoing with government officials and community partners to ensure that preparedness and response efforts are well-coordinated.
As of Monday morning, no evacuation orders have been issued for Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia. However, the Red Cross advises residents to take specific steps in case evacuation becomes necessary. Additionally, volunteers from Massachusetts are en route to assist relief efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Impact Assessment after Hurricane Milton
Reflecting on the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan expressed gratitude for the city’s fortunate position regarding minimal damage. Reported power outages in Jacksonville peaked at about 14,000, considerably less than similar outages faced by other regions affected by the storm. Weather-related calls were fewer, and swift water rescues were less frequent compared to previous storms.
Normal city services are expected to resume shortly, with waste pickups slated to begin on Saturday. Duval County Public Schools remain closed as officials conduct assessments of the storm’s impact, with plans for a tentative reopening dependent on findings. Meanwhile, Jacksonville International Airport experienced minor flight cancellations related to Hurricane Milton but largely maintained regular operations.
Community Support and Donations
The Jacksonville Red Cross has successfully raised approximately $350,000 in donations to support its disaster response efforts. This includes a significant contribution from the Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighting the community’s commitment to assisting those impacted by natural disasters.
In summary, as Hurricane Milton approaches, the American Red Cross is actively enhancing local preparedness through volunteer training and community engagement. With collaboration among various stakeholders and substantial community support, Jacksonville aims to navigate the challenges posed by the hurricane effectively.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Red Cross Trains Shelter Heroes
- Action News Jax: Red Cross Urging Residents to Prepare
- News4Jax: Mayor Deegan News Conference on Hurricane Milton
- Google Search: Hurricane Milton
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
