American Red Cross of Oklahoma assisting with Hurricane Milton preparations

OKLAHOMA — Around 15 American Red Cross disaster workers from Oklahoma and Kansas traveled to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall.

The Red Cross said the disaster workers will help with sheltering and feeding operations in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

Several of the volunteers took part in shelter academies in the last week which provided training for not only hurricane-affected areas, but also future disasters in Oklahoma.

Regional Client Care Manager Genyce Goodchild is one of the disaster workers in Florida as a shelter supervisor.

"Some of those new Red Cross volunteers are now packing their first bags for deployment. What an honor it will be to serve alongside them," Goodchild said in a press release. "But mostly my mind keeps wandering back to past faces I've met and what it's like to quietly listen, to hold someone else's story with them and just to be present. And I'm feeling grateful to be part of an organization that holds open the door of hope to so many in their time of need."

The Red Cross shared a reminder that shelters are open for people and pets in need of safety. 32,000 people spent Tuesday night in shelters managed by the Red Cross and other organizations.

The Red Cross said disaster workers have been working in the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee. Over 513,000 meals and snacks have been provided to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

You can donate or learn more about the American Red Cross of Oklahoma by clicking here .