Kids & Family

Isaac Officially a Hurricane, How You Can Help

Salvation Army, Red Cross helping residents in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and elsewhere prepare for and recover from Hurricane Isaac.

Just before noon Tuesday, Tropical Storm Isaac officially became Hurricane Isaac with sustained winds of at least 75 mph., according to the National Hurricane Center. By 2 p.m., the National Weather Service was reporting storm surge flooding in Mobile, AL and surrounding areas.

The storm caused problems in Florida as it crossed over land Monday, knocking a day off the Republican National Convention and causing localized flooding across some low-lying areas of the state. Official landfall in the Gulf Coast region is expected around 7 p.m. Tuesday.

President Barack Obama has already offered help to residents who are affected by Hurricane Isaac, but there are things you can do from here in Virginia to help, as well:

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Red Cross Donations — You can make a $10 donation via text message by texting REDCROSS to 90999. Or, visit the American Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Salvation Army is also providing supplies to residents displaced by the storm. You can make a $10 text message donation by messaging STORM to 80888 and confirming the donation by replying ‘yes.' Or, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Please write the check to “Salvation Army Disaster Relief” and put “2012 Hurricane Relief” on the memo line.

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch will update this story with more giving and donating opportunities as we learn about them. Feel free to add information you have to the comments section below!

Be Prepared

Read up on and how to put together your family plan and emergency kit.


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