Yahoo Movies Hurricane Ian: How to Help with Disaster Relief Efforts as Catastrophic Storm Makes Landfall
Help is needed in Florida as Hurricane Ian bears down on the state as one of the strongest storms to hit the U.S. in recent history.
Hurricane Ian became a Category 4 storm early Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center, and is on the threshold of reaching Category 5 status shortly before making landfall in Florida.
Forecasters say catastrophic wind damage and significant rainfall will impact much of the state, while portions of Florida's Gulf Coast could see an 18-foot storm surge.
National Weather Service director Ken Graham warned of Hurricane Ian's potential impacts at a FEMA press conference on Wednesday.
"This is a storm we are going to talk about for many years to come," Graham said.
RELATED: 'Life-Threatening' Hurricane Ian Nears Florida as Officials Warn of Catastrophic Flooding and Winds
Here's how you can help those in Florida affected by this historic storm:
ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP via Getty
Red Cross
The Red Cross is currently accepting donations for those impacted by Hurricane Ian, according to its website. Donations can be made by visiting redcross.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS. Donors can also text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
"Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need," the organization says, "and every single donation matters."
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The Covenant House
The Covenant House, which has locations in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, is also accepting donations for its response to Hurricane Ian, noting that "immediate support" is needed, according to its website.
"Emergency protocols are in effect for Covenant House sites in Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando," said the non-profit organization, which assists "young people experiencing homelessness and trafficking."
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World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andrés' announced Tuesday on Twitter that his non-profit World Central Kitchen has opened two main kitchens in Tampa and Gainesville, and that he and his partners are "ready to make as many meals as necessary during the next days and weeks."
"People of Florida," Andrés wrote Tuesday, "you will not face this alone!"
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Andrés' organization also tweeted a video of teams preparing "hundreds of sandwiches" for Floridians, which they hope to distribute "as soon as the storm passes."
Donations can be made to the organization through its website.
With #HurricaneIan nearing Category-5 storm strength, WCK teams are ready to respond across Florida. We've prepared hundreds of sandwiches to be able to distribute as soon as the storm passes and it is safe to do so—we'll share updates as we have them. #ChefsForFlorida pic.twitter.com/wYigfu1wBg
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) September 28, 2022
American Humane Society
Hurricane Ian is also threatening the lives of pets and other animals. The American Humane Society is looking to assist animals in need, and is requesting donations to help them do so, according to its website.
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"In the rush to prepare for this storm, we mustn't forget about our pets, who also need disaster preparation," the society said.
Florida Disaster Fund
This private relief fund aims to "assist Florida's communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster," according to its website.
"The Florida Disaster Fund distributes funds to service organizations that will serve individuals within their communities with disaster response and recovery," the page says.
Donations can be made via check or the fund's website. You can also text "DISASTER" to 20222 to make a $10 donation.
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Convoy of Hope
The international non-profit organization has sent a caravan of people from its World Distribution Center in Missouri to assist in the response following Hurricane Ian, its website says.
The convoy will come with both supplies and equipment "to provide relief" to the affected communities, according to a post on its Instagram page.
You can donate to Convoy of Hope's Crisis Relief Fund on its website.
RELATED: Hurricane Ian Death Toll May Be in the 'Hundreds,' Florida Sheriff Fears
Feeding Tampa Bay
Feeding Tampa Bay is looking for both donations and volunteers as it aids in the response to Hurricane Ian.
The non-profit organization will help provide food and water to those impacted by the storm after millions of customers lost power, leaving them unable to refrigerate or cook their food.
"Your support helps us to provide hot meals for today, groceries for tomorrow, and sustainability for a lifetime," the site says.
Donations can be made here, and volunteers can sign up for shifts here.
