JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Officials with the Red Cross have been hard at work rounding up volunteers in the Jacksonville area, preparing for the possibility that Tropical Storm Erika may develop into a hurricane and make its way through Jacksonville.
They're prepping their personnel to man the phones and secure extra shelters, but they also have advice on what residents need to do at home, if they have to ride out the storm there.
"There are a lot of stories that I remember. I remember the alarms going off of homes that were destroyed," Christian Smith, of the Red Cross, said.
On its 10th anniversary, Smith remembers all too well assisting the thousands of people affected by Hurricane Katrina when he was working in New Orleans.
She continues to prepare people in northeast Florida, showing them exactly what they need if Tropical Storm Erika affects the Jacksonville area, and people are left without power.
"Things that I can eat right out of the can. If it's a pop top perfect, if not, you want to make sure that you have that manual can opener to be able to open that," Smith said.
Smith said families should have a minimum three days' worth of food and water in the event they are trapped at home but there are also other very important things that people need to have with them.
Everything from social security papers to legal documents, like a will, proof of identification, deeds and titles and insurance papers should be with residents. Smith said people also need to make sure they have their driver's licenses and cash.
And for people who may be on necessary medication, they need to make sure they have enough to last them for a couple of weeks.
"Now is a time contact your doctor and get that extra supply. We really recommend up to two weeks supply," Smith said.
The president of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, Randy Wise, also wants to remind residents that first responders are getting prepared for extra shifts, just in case they're needed, though they are not increasing personnel until its necessary.
"They may hold that shift from the day before and may increase staffing, and if the storm passes, they'll adjust as needed, but there is not a given number they will hold at any given time," Wise said.
For people looking for more information on hurricane preparedness, they can head to the Red Cross's website for more information.