Tens of thousands of people in Florida are struggling with the devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian. In response, more than 1,800 American Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground across the affected communities in Florida delivering urgent relief.

As many Floridians clean up their neighborhoods and hundreds more remain in shelters, the American Red Cross and our partners are there, working day and night to help as people deal with the devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian. With the help of partners Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and others, mobile kitchens are cooking tens of thousands of hot meals each day. More than 120 Red Cross emergency response vehicles are on the roads delivering these hot meals and relief supplies to people struggling in the hardest hit areas. On Sunday alone, more than 850,000 meals were provided.

Red Cross shelters and Disaster Aid Stations are also open where people can either stay or get food, relief supplies and other assistance. Disaster Aid Stations are a location for the community to receive hot meals, meal kits, water, snacks, and individual disaster care. Sites are also equipped with Starlink, which provides free Wi-Fi within the general area. The list of Disaster Aid Station sites change daily and are updated on the South Florida Red Cross Facebook page (Follow on FB: SFLRedCross) Link to updated post and 10/11 Disaster Aid Station sites is here: https://www.facebook.com/SFLRedCross/posts/pfbid02ku3WzkkJkLs6aZ2wva2QdBXgJs81cXi9WEAzhDgbh2SvCtXLszJR9wgnCtLVBWzJl

Trained volunteers are also providing health and mental health support to families who have suffered unimaginable loss. This includes help coping with new challenges, managing medical conditions, caring for wounds or injuries, and replacing prescription medications or other critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs.

The Red Cross is working closely to ensure help is available when and where people need it most. Last night, more than 1,600 people sought refuge in 11 Red Cross and partner shelters across Florida. To date, more than 167,000 relief items including comfort kits and other supplies have been provided to people in need.

For more information and for people who need assistance, we encourage them to go to: RedCross.org

You can find information there about how the Red Cross is helping and how to find open shelters. If you need additional assistance, you can call 1-800-RED CROSS.