After causing destruction in South Carolina and Georgia, Tropical Storm Debby left a trail of devastation that took two weeks to recover from. Fortunately, nine dedicated volunteers from the Southeast Tennessee chapter of the American Red Cross have returned home, having played a crucial role in the recovery efforts.
Gary Pettway, a dedicated volunteer for 27 years, exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and commitment.
“We go because we know there’s a need, and if we’re not doing it, who’s going to?” Pettway told us Saturday.
The National Hurricane Center revised Debby’s status to a tropical storm almost two weeks ago.
High winds, rain, and storm surge caused by Hurricane Debby flood a neighborhood in Cedar Key, Florida on August 05, 2024. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Pettway had never before provided hurricane relief aid.
Over the last two weeks, he has been collaborating with shelter managers and the Emergency Operations Center.
“Every deployment is different. The situations are different,” Pettway said.
The Red Cross reported that crews offered over 1,800 overnight stays in more than 60 emergency shelters.
“It is the most difficult work that you will love. So it’s really hard work, but you’re going to love doing it,” Julia Wright of the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee said.
Before Gary and the other volunteers are deployed, they undergo a series of training exercises.
“Each disaster has its own challenges,” Wright said. “Train them to be prepared for when disaster happens.”
According to Wright, volunteers are equipped with the necessary tools to provide psychological first aid, enabling them to care for both families and themselves.
“When those families come in and it’s been the worst day of their life and they show up at a Red Cross shelter, they’re there to provide comfort and compassion and just listen and help the volunteers navigate what their next steps will be,” Wright said.
While Pettway has returned home, there are still other crew workers who are just beginning their work.
“As I’m leaving, there will be other people to come in to help them recover. Teams that will help with the recovery,” Pettway said.
The Red Cross is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 80 to lend a hand in assisting those who require support.
So far this year, we have already experienced four named storms: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, and Debby. These storms occurred between June 1st and November 30th, which is the official hurricane season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that this season could potentially be one of the busiest on record.
According to the Red Cross, approximately 400 homes have been destroyed in the states of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.