„They are going to do what neighbors do and neighbors take care of each other.“
Hurricane Florence is rapidly approaching the East Coast, promising to bring strong winds, storm surges, and lots of property damage.
Despite the danger and devastation that could come along with this storm, it isn’t stopping Americans from doing what they do best: coming together in times of struggle.
From long-distance firemen to large breweries, here are five ways Americans are coming together to battle this storm.
With any major storm, there comes a risk that access to fresh water could become limited. Partner that with the hard work involved in the rescue and cleanup efforts, and the need for water to keep first responders hydrated grows even stronger.
That’s why beer giant Anheuser-Busch started filling cans with water to ensure that those in the pathway of the storm have fresh water.
Anheuser-Busch sending 300,000 cans of water to Hurricane Florence victims https://t.co/Yop3eXf3i7 pic.twitter.com/7NMGEWHqjC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 13,2018
Our 2018 Budweiser @SuperBowl commercial celebrated our employees who support our communities in times of need. Now our Fort Collins Brewery is joining our Emergency Water Donation Program, enabling us to deliver emergency drinking water even more quickly. https://t.co/0dlZsYzgiw pic.twitter.com/c0xwWQFZOX
— Anheuser-Busch (@AnheuserBusch) September 12,2018
Because of the size of this storm, there will likely be a large rescue effort to help individuals who are stranded in their homes because of high water. One of the more difficult aspects of assisting those people is finding them in the first place.
Drone expert Brett Velicovich explained to Fox News that a major part of this rescue operation will involve flying drones above submerged homes in order to find those who are trapped and send the proper assistance.
“You’ve really got a lot of efforts out there that are coming together and providing this technology solution to save lives,” Velicovich said.
Drone expert Brett Velicovich: “You’ve really got a lot of efforts out there that are coming together and providing this technology solution to save lives.” pic.twitter.com/oTPwBTjVOs
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 13,2018
The first responders in the states impacted by the storm will have a lot on their hands, which is exactly why firemen from Kentucky left Frankfort to head to Raleigh, North Carolina, to help out where they can.
“They are going to do what neighbors do and neighbors take care of each other,” Gov. Matt Bevin (R-Ky.) told the Associated Press . “It is important, it really is, to appreciate what it looks like when states take care of one another.”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) also expressed his pride in the kindness of the Kentucky firemen:
Proud of KY’s brave & dedicated first responders – please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they help our neighbors in the Carolinas with disaster relief efforts. https://t.co/7RSE4gkbpF
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 13,2018
Samaritan’s Purse, a volunteer organization that typically assists in international projects, has shifted its mission back home to help organize volunteers for those in Florence’s path.
The Rev. Franklin Graham joined Fox News to discuss the work that volunteers had already done, including organizing tools and equipment to prepare to assist those in need once the storm passes through.
“The hands and the feet that actually are on the ground, that’s gonna be done by volunteers. And again, we need an army of them. We need hundreds of them to come help us,” Graham said.
The organization plans to send crews with tools to help clear out submerged homes, cut down fallen trees, and assist homeowners in their recovery.
. @Franklin_Graham on @SamaritansPurse and hurricane recovery: “The hands and the feet that actually are on the ground, that’s gonna be done by volunteers. And again we need an army of them. We need hundreds of them to come help us.” https://t.co/brbzgnVWmy pic.twitter.com/MKAadhuanC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 13,2018
The Red Cross has had a busy 12 months. From Texas to Puerto Rico, the United States has been hurricane-heavy, but that isn’t going to slow down the response from the Red Cross.
More than 1,500 Red Cross workers have already started unloading fresh water, medical supplies, and other post-storm necessities in the Carolinas. The Red Cross expects to help shelter 100,000 Americans in response to the storm.
More than 1,500 Red Cross disaster workers are helping #HurricaneFlorence relief efforts. Some 80 emergency response vehicles and more than 120 trailers of equipment and relief supplies have been deployed. https://t.co/qdcmKzW2pw pic.twitter.com/cDx2xOeaiP
— American Red Cross (@RedCross) September 13,2018
We are on the ground helping prepare for #HurricaneFlorence. More than 1,600 people spent last night in 36 Red Cross and community shelters in South Carolina and North Carolina. To find a shelter location in your area, visit➡️ https://t.co/n5pAnH88XO pic.twitter.com/aAQV0m6a2b
— American Red Cross (@RedCross) September 12,2018
If you are in the path of Hurricane Florence, you can visit the Red Cross‘ website to find safety tips and a shelter near you. If you want to help people in the path of the storm, you can donate to the Red Cross at the same link.
