Local organizations are sending crews to help Hurricane Ida damaged areas
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Multiple organizations in Mid-Missouri are sending crews to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
Boone County Fire sent out a tweet that Missouri Task Force One arrived in Jefferson Parish, Louisana.
MO-TF1 has arrived in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, just west of New Orleans within the impacted area of Hurricane Ida
— Boone County Fire (@BooneCountyFire) August 30, 2021
MO-TF1 members are in good spirits and stand ready to deploy when they receive tactical orders to assist the residents of Louisiana.#motf1ida pic.twitter.com/0wQK064n0g
Boone Electric Cooperative and American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas released press releases that detailed what their organizations have planned.
The Boone Electric Cooperative press release stated that roughly 77,000 homes have lost power and the cooperative will send eight linemen and two right-of-way workers to help restore the power in the Baton Rouge area.
According to the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas release, they will be sending four emergency vehicles in response to Hurricane Idea. A crew of two volunteers will travel will each vehicle with two leaving from St.Louis, one from Columbia, and another one from Little Rock Arkansas.
Don Barnett, a disaster truck driver, said the first Red Cross to make it will face some initial challenges. Barnett also added that drive could be difficult with all the damage from the hurricane.
"The biggest challenge for the first in people would be to organize, set up a place where they can stay, and find a kitchen," said Barnett.
Red Cross Disaster engagement manager Ashlea Whaley also that while they are putting forth the best effort, the Red Cross is 90% of volunteers and they need more.
"We cannot provide this life-saving mission without the help of volunteers," said Whaley. She also encourages those who are interested to sign up using RedCross.org
