(25 News)- As of Monday night, Hurricane Dorian had already claimed the lives of five people in the Bahamas, as the storm remained a Category 4 hurricane.
There are mandatory evacuations in place for parts of Florida and police are going door-to-door urging people to take action.
“If you’re in a mandatory evacuation zone, you have to get out,” said Governor Rick Scott.
The American Red Cross from Central Illinois is stepping up to help. Peoria volunteer, Cindy Clark, said this is her third time helping with hurricane relief.
Clark is staying at a evacuation in Jacksonville, FL. Monday afternoon, she said they had about 85 people there, and expected many more.
“I just kind of feel like God has called me to do this,” said Clark, “and that is what motivates me is knowing that you know that I’m here to help these people and at least give them some comfort knowing that they’re not alone.”
Since it is unclear where and when Dorian could hit the U.S., Clark said the best way for Midwesterners to pitch in, is monetary donations.
“That’s what we need, and financially not only does it help clients but it helps the volunteers to get down here because, you know, it pays for our way down here, it pays for food to help us all, but it pays for all kinds of supplies.”
To learn more about the local American Red Cross, click HERE.
