43
Staff report
AP
Photo
Waves caused by Hurricane Irene flood Topsail Island Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, in Surf City, N.C. Irene has the potential to cause billions of dollars in damage all along a densely populated arc that includes Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston and beyond. At least 65 million people could be affected. (AP Photo/The Wilmington Star-News, Matt Born)
AP
Photo
A rough surf is seen as Hurricane Irene moves up the eastern coast, Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 in Neptune Beach, Fla. Irene has the potential to cause billions of dollars in damage all along a densely populated arc that includes Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston and beyond. At least 65 million people could be affected. (AP Photo/The Florida Times-Union, Jon M. Fletcher)
Photo
This satellite image provided by NOAA and taken at 12:45 GMT Friday Aug. 26, 2011 shows Hurricane Irene as it moves northward along the U.S. eastern coastline with 110 mph sustained winds. Hurricane Irene began lashing the East Coast with rain Friday ahead of a weekend of violent weather that was almost certain to heap punishment on a vast stretch of shoreline from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. (AP Photo/NOAA)
Staff report
WARREN
The American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley is mobilizing disaster workers and equipment to support preparation and relief efforts along the East Coast that Hurricane Irene may hit.
Earlier this week, the local chapter sent its Emergency Response Vehicle and two volunteer drivers to Raleigh, N.C. The vehicle is used to distribute food and cleanup supplies to North Carolina residents affected by the storm, said Karen E. Conklin, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley.
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, she said.
Local residents can stay in contact with loved ones in the areas affected by Hurricane Irene through the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site. Safe and Well is a secure, easy-to-use online tool to help families connect in an emergency. People can register by visiting the Red Cross Web site at safeandwell.communityos.org or calling the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Also, Conklin said, Hurricane Irene could affect blood collections along the East Coast at a time when the nation’s blood supply is already low. The Red Cross is urging those who are eligible to give blood as quickly as possible. One ARC blood drive today as at the agency’s Austintown Donor Center, 57 Westchester Drive, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.