WPB American Red Cross volunteers leave for Fredrick, Maryland to assist in Hurricane Irene relief

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Eight American Red Cross volunteers leave for Fredrick, Maryland Friday morning from West Palm Beach to do what they do best: help others.

The volunteers will assist with hurricane Irene relief.

Fredrick, Maryland is close to coastal communities that could be directly in the line of Irene.

Volunteer Whit Stratton said he isn't a stranger to what hurricanes are capable of.

"I moved here 10 years ago and got hit with two or three hurricanes right when we got here," Stratton said. So I realize there's a need for us afterward."

The volunteers will leave from the West Palm Beach office of the American Red Cross and drive four emergency response vehicles to Maryland.

Once in Maryland, the volunteers will head to coastal communities, like Ocean City, after Hurricane Irene passes through.

The volunteers will pass out food and water to residents who may be without power after the hurricane.
The American Red Cross said it's opened shelters in North Carolina Thursday morning.

Evacuation orders are in effect for many coastal communities along the east coast, including communities on North Carolina's coastline.

The American Red Cross of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast region says two other local volunteers are already positioned in North Carolina and New York.