Red Cross volunteers headed to Gulf Coast

Published 9:55 am Thursday, August 28, 2008

Four Snohomish County Red Cross volunteers have packed their bags and are heading to the Gulf Coast as people prepare for the landfall of Hurricane Gustav.

Forecasters predict there’s a chance the storm could hit New Orleans Monday or Tuesday.

The volunteer team is joining a national response effort to make sure Louisiana is ready if the strong storm hits the region.

“They will join a corps of Red Cross workers from across the country trained and ready to respond to national disasters wherever they might occur,” said Kris Krischano, a local Red Cross spokesman.

Steve Taylor, of Gold Bar, Frank Grigas, of Everett, and Karen French of Marysville plan to fly to Baton Rouge today. Edmonds resident Bob Leighton flew to Houston on Wednesday.

The team plans to help with transportation, emergency communications and shelter assistance, Krischano said.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.

For more information or to make a donation, go to snohomishcounty.redcross.org.