Red Cross Volunteers From Colorado & Wyoming Respond To Hurricane Ida

(CBS4) - American Red Cross volunteers from Colorado and Wyoming made their way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Ida. The storm hit Port Fourchon as a category 4 hurricane Sunday afternoon.

Andrea Carlson, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross chapter in Colorado and Wyoming, said about a dozen volunteers arrived a few days before the storm. More are expected after the storm loses strength.

"We know that a storm of this size and a potential of this size, we're going to be here for quite a bit of time, so it's going to give an opportunity for a lot of people to come out and support in any way they can," Carlson said.

Darlene Moore of Loveland arrived in Amite City, Louisiana, on Friday and will work as a member of the shelter team for two weeks. The team is set up in a school gym, and spent Sunday taking in locals, as well as preparing for the storm.

"We opened up a shelter, set up cots, sorted out the kitchen duties, and everyone got their assignments," Moore said.

"The clients are real quiet right now. I think it's because the storm is close to being here, if it's not here already."

Moore is among hundreds of other American Red Cross volunteers from around the nation. They will help with evacuation centers, long-term shelters, damage assessment and mental health support. Due to COVID concerns, some volunteer work, such as logistics or medical case work, will be done virtually.

A typical deployment for a Red Cross disaster responder is 14 to 21 days.

"Dependent upon how heavy the winds are, how much rain we get, will there be extra flooding, really is going to determine what direction the Red Cross takes and what type of support is then needed for the people of Louisiana," Carlson said.