Red Cross deploys volunteers as Hurricane Irene heads toward coast 

ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 25, 2011—The Finger Lakes NY Region of the Red Cross is deploying Leighton Jones, of Rochester, and Sarah Perkins, of Pittsford, to assist the Greater New York Chapter in New York City with community collaborations and disaster assessment in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Irene.  Both Jones and Perkins will be departing tomorrow – August 26, Delta Airlines at 6am, from Greater Rochester International Airport. They will be available at 4:45am prior to departure.
 
Hurricane Irene is predicted to be the largest storm to hit the East Coast in more than 70 years, and could threaten several big population centers including New York City and Long Island. A hurricane watch has already been issued for the North Carolina coast and the Red Cross has opened shelters in the state as evacuation orders go into effect. In addition, more than 200 Red Cross mobile feeding vehicles are heading towards the coast to help people in the path of the storm.
 
Hurricane Irene is headed toward the East Coast and the American Red Cross is mobilizing disaster workers and equipment along much of the eastern seaboard to help those in the path of this powerful storm.
 
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit rochesterredcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.