The Canadian Red Cross has started accepting donations for victims of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas.
Spokesperson Jennifer Ouellette said the agency is working to coordinate emergency relief efforts to get help to people as soon as possible.
"There are immediate needs, shelter, food as well as sanitary supplies," said Ouellette. "But as the disaster goes on, one thing that people need to understand is there's the acute phase of the disaster, so the first 24 to 72 hours, but often after a disaster, there are longer-term needs. We've seen this here in Canada, after Fort McMurrary and internationally, that take months sometimes even years."
Ouellette said there are several ways to donate including online at www.redcross.ca, or by calling the red cross at 1-800-418-1111.
Donations can also be made in person at the East Street Red Cross branch in Sarnia.
Red Cross operated shelter in Greenville, North Carolina. Beatriz relaxes on a Red Cross cot with her four sons – Carlos, Ever, Irvin and Jason. Photo by Adam Jennings/American Red Cross.