ChooChoo Navy to the rescue

As the Cajun Navy and government rescue workers race to save flood victims in North and South Carolina, people all over the country — including in Chattanooga — work to offer similar services and to prepare room for Hurricane Florence refugees.

From opening evacuation shelters to forming emergency response teams, reserving utility workers for deployment and making room for rescued dogs, the Volunteer State is volunteering.

The Brainerd Youth & Family Development Center at 1010 North Moore Road will open its doors for coastal residents fleeing Mother Nature’s rage. The shelter, operated by the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross and other organizations, opened Thursday and will remain open as long as necessary, said Julia Wright, executive director for the Red Cross’ Southeast Tennessee region.

For anyone looking to offer support, Wright said the best way to help is through a financial donation through the American Red Cross’ website at redcross.org/donate. A $10 donation also can be made via text message by sending FLORENCE to 90999. Donations also can be made in person at the local branch at 4115 South Access Road or by calling 423-265-3455.

There also is an Erlanger Health System Life Force helicopter on standby to aid with disaster relief efforts. Two flight nurses, two paramedics, a pilot and a mechanic are expected to deploy to wherever they’re needed. Life Force was called on during Hurricane Harvey last year, and crews spent three weeks in Texas completing about 20 transports.

Nearly 200 electric utility linemen from across Tennessee also are moving into place to help restore power, with more on standby.