Staff Writer

jsibley@theeasleyprogress.com

PICKENS COUNTY - Just as soon as volunteers deployed for tropical storm Fay, relief efforts began for hurricane Gustav.

Now, as Gustav makes landfall in the gulf coast, hurricane Hanna is threatening the Carolina and Georgia coasts.

"We are ready with more volunteers from the Upstate," said Sarah Dow, director of the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Around 15 volunteers are on stand-by for hurricane Hanna, and Dow said that they will be available for a number of tasks, including computer networking, logistics, staff health, transportation and shelter set-up.

Volunteers carry out a two- to three-week mission once mobilized and three volunteers have already been sent from Pickens County.

Joan Penn was sent near Kissimmee, Fl., for help with Fay while husband-and-wife team Lew and Earlette Burdette, traveled to Mississippi for help with Gustav devastation.

While Pickens County isn't facing a direct hit from Hanna, evacuees from the Carolinas and Georgia can count on shelters farther inland.

"We have two separate shelters in Pickens County," said Dow. "We will try to make them as comfortable as possible."

As the Upstate South Carolina Chapter in Pickens County call on Red Cross volunteers for help, Dow said they will review the disaster plans, check their availability and stock pile "war kits" to help with disaster relief.

For Hanna, two Upstate SC Chapter volunteers will head to Columbia to work with the State Chapter Support Team. This group of experienced Red Cross volunteers will coordinate preparation and response to hurricane Hanna in the coming weeks, if the hurricane hits the Carolina coast at all.

To volunteer or make a donation, visit www.upstate.redcross.org or call Sarah Dow at 878-0131.