When Hurricane Isaias threatens the Florida Panhandle, Central Florida volunteers are already gearing up to support the American Red Cross response. Among the volunteers is Air Force veteran John Lanzetti, who has answered more than 50 disaster calls over the past 11 years.
Local volunteers ready to deploy
Lanzetti, a longtime Central Florida resident, said he could be dispatched to any community in Northern Florida that faces flooding, power outages or wind damage. “I believe that we all, as human beings on the planet Earth, should help each other out,” he said.
He added that Red Cross teams will move in “no matter what” unless roads are completely flooded or downed power lines create a dangerous situation. In those cases, responders will wait until hazards are cleared.
Experience from past storms
Having served in more than 50 natural‑disaster operations, Lanzetti said the storm that left the strongest impression was Hurricane Ian, which struck Central Florida four years ago. “Central Florida is the one that got hammered with flooding – the St. Johns all the way out to Flagler County,” he recalled.
Rapid assessment and aid
Red Cross managers already stationed in North Florida are coordinating with state and local emergency officials, identifying flood‑prone zones and setting up shelters for evacuees. Lanzetti explained his role as a disaster‑assessment volunteer: he arrives at the end of an event, works with the emergency manager, evaluates damage and contacts Red Cross headquarters to direct relief where it is needed most.
Technology speeds the process. “We give victims a QR code they can scan, then they receive a phone number to contact our headquarters. That allows them to qualify for relief almost instantaneously,” Lanzetti said.
Supplies on the way
The Red Cross is loading truckloads of cots, blankets and non‑perishable meals for distribution along the Northern Gulf Coast. Community members who wish to help can donate directly through the American Red Cross website.
How you can support
Beyond monetary contributions, the organization welcomes additional volunteers, local businesses willing to provide in‑kind donations, and families who can open their homes as temporary shelters. The combined effort of Central Florida volunteers and national Red Cross resources aims to lessen the impact of Isaias on the most vulnerable residents.
As the storm approaches, the message from Lanzetti and his fellow volunteers is clear: preparedness, compassion and swift action will help Central Florida and the Panhandle recover faster and stronger.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
