The American Red Cross of Northern New York is deploying a local volunteer from Gouverneur to Manhattan in preparation for Hurricane Irene’s expected landfall along the eastern shores this weekend.

Volunteer Janet Wakefield of the Northern New York Red Cross will be in New York City to assist the Red Cross preparation efforts, helping with mass care and client support in shelters and in the surrounding metropolitan area.

Locally, fourteen members of the Northern New York Chapter are ready to deploy where they are needed as the hurricane moves northward.

Across the nation, the Red Cross is pre-positioning numerous emergency response vehicles and disaster supplies for areas expected to see impact from this large storm.

Red Cross chapters from Florida to Maine are working with local and state officials to prepare.

The Red Cross recommends three quick steps to take now to be prepared for hurricanes and other emergencies – build a kit, make a plan and be informed. Residents also should take advantage of the “Safe and Well” website in order to keep family and friends notified of their status. For more information visit www.redcross.org.