Assistance during fires and storms

FARMINGTON, Conn. (AP) — American Red Cross volunteers from Connecticut will be deploying to Texas in advance of two strong storms and to California to help people affected by wildfires.

The state chapter of the Red Cross said Sunday that four volunteers are headed to Texas and another five are deploying to California. Two other volunteers will be helping virtually by computer and phone — one with the Texas efforts and another for the California efforts.

Texas and other Gulf Coast states are bracing for a potentially devastating hit from twin hurricanes this week. Marco grew into a hurricane on Sunday as it moved toward Louisiana and Tropical Storm Laura is targeting the same region.

Massive wildfires in Northern California have destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

Red Cross volunteers in Texas are supporting sheltering efforts and other operations before, during and after the two storms’ landfall. In California, they are helping evacuees with temporary housing, cooling centers and other needs.

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