When Hurricane Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 storm, it brought 150 miles per hour winds, 14-foot storm surges, flash floods and heavy rains.
But news of this coming disaster also brought charities and volunteers to the scene to help with immediate rescues and long-term recovery. You can assist these efforts by clicking the 'Take Action' button below or throughthis link.
If you are in the hurricane's path or had to evacuate, you can let friends and family know that you are safe through the American Red Cross Safe and Well page and Facebook's Safety Check on their Hurricane Michael Crisis Response page. Both of these tools can also be used to check on people you know in the area.
Other ways to assist
Community blood centers in the region are urging the public to donate. All blood types are needed along with platelet and plasma donors.
The not-for-profit blood center OneBlood, can be found in almost all of the counties in Florida and in the southern regions of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. You can search for their blood drives here, or by calling 1-888-936-6283.
Lifesafe, which serves hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, provides an online toolto find a donor center or mobile drive near you, or you can call 1-888-795-2707 to make an appointment to donate.
The American Red Cross is also encouraging people to give blood. They report a critical need for both blood and platelet donations. You can make an appointment either online, through their blood donor app or by calling 1-800-733-2767.
