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The Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross will keep its Hurricane Gustav evacuee shelter open at Victory Christian Center. The chapter has been experiencing a high call volume about the facility, prompting the shelter to remain open another night.
In response to Hurricane Gustav on a national level, the Red Cross has 343 shelters open in 10 states, housing a population of nearly 60,000 people. Its many workers are providing evacuees with food, shelter and emotional support, and are prepared to do so until it is safe for people to go home. The Red Cross is also preparing to move into storm-hit areas in order to provide services to returning residents. Gustav has cost the Red Cross $20 million on a national level to date. This is the largest Red Cross relief effort since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The Greater Carolinas Chapter has four employees supporting a statewide operation in preparation for Hurricane Hanna, which is expected to hit the Carolinas coast this weekend. The local Red Cross remains on standby for coastal evacuees as well as those residents living in areas that may be affected by Hurricane Hanna. 
People find the most comfort in tasks related to preparedness. In order to prepare for Hurricane Hanna, coastal residents are encouraged to:
• Stay informed by listening to their local news stations.
• Prepare an evacuation plan of where you and your family will go if you evacuate. Know how to access the Red Cross Safe and Well website.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit, including food, water, toiletries, bedding, essential medication and a flashlight.
The Red Cross has launched a fundraising effort to support relief for the recent flooding, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Hanna.  Greater Carolinas Chapter CEO Pamela Jefsen said, “We can only help the victims of disaster because generous businesses and individuals in our community step forward and provide funds.  We are the conduit for the caring of neighbors and friends all over the country.”
Donations can be made online at http://www.redcrosshelps.org. If you’re interested in volunteering, send an e-mail to .
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All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting http://www.redcross.org.