West Tennessee Prepares for Isaac Evacuees
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JACKSON, Tenn- Local organizations in West Tennessee are preparing for the aftermath of Issac, and people who could evacuate to the area. Red Cross executive director Jennifer McCraw told 7 Eyewitness News there is an emergency response vehicle currently on standby in Jackson. “Our team has already packed their bags,” said McCraw. “They are ready to go to Florida when they get the call.” Officials said they are expecting to send volunteer crews as early as Monday. Forecasters said a possible category two hurricane known as Isaac is expected to hit the Gulf Coast Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. Officials with the Red Cross said the organization needs more volunteers in West Tennessee to be prepared. McCraw said the Red Cross is now actively preparing to take in evacuees. “If New Orleans evacuates, we are going to get a minimum of 500 evacuees here in Jackson,” said McCraw. People may need food and shelter for many weeks to come. “It’s a team effort so a lot of agencies that you don’t even realize will be working hard 24 hours a day to shelter these people,” said McCraw. McCraw said the Red Cross is partnering with the Madison County Health Department to provide emergency clinics and nurse strike teams if needed. “We’re hoping that Isaac won’t strengthen and will not hit New Orleans, so we don’t have to shelter those people, but we will if we have to,” said McCraw. Officials with the Red Cross said they are also organizing restaurants who can cater food for shelters in the coming weeks. “We need volunteers to work in shelters, to help with the planning,” said McCraw. If you would like to volunteer or help make donations, visit redcross.org or call the Jackson Red Cross at (731) 427-5543.
