HCOEM, Red Cross opens Florence evacuee shelter

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hurricane Florence continues to threaten the coastal Carolinas, southern Virginia and Georgia Thursday. Meteorologists expect it to make landfall Thursday night or early Friday morning.

Hundreds of thousands have been told to evacuate their homes, as Florence’s threat radius widens.

Here in Hamilton County, the American Red Cross has partnered with Hamilton County Emergency Management to open up an evacuee shelter at the Brainerd Youth and Family Development Center.

A disaster animal response team will also be on site with a pet shelter for all those traveling with their pets.

The organizations are asking for financial donations and volunteers to help in preparation of the influx of evacuees.

To donate to the American Red Cross, the American Red Cross website or text FLORENCE to 90999 to give a $110 donation.

If you would like to become a volunteer, contact the American Red Cross Chattanooga Chapter at (423) 265-3455 or visit their website.

For Volunteer Training for Shelter Management, call (423) 265-3455.

For Hotel/Motel availability, contact the Chattanooga Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at (800) 322-3344.