Dawnda Smith is getting ready for her first trip as an American Red Cross volunteer.
She is going to New Jersey, Wednesday afternoon, for at least two weeks.
That is just one of the 16 states, where some 11,000 people have been displaced by superstorm Sandy
But she will have to fly into either Boston or Philadelphia because the storm has shut down so many airports.
"I am so excited, I don't know what to do with myself," Smith said. "I always ring my hands with these disasters and I want to help so bad and I finally have the opportunity. I'm expecting chaos and just an emergency scene."
Smith will work in medical situations, joining three other locals that are already working in New Jersey shelters.
Two more are based in White Plains, New York.
They actually left Reno before the storm hit.
"They flew in Sunday by 4:00 and they worked the midnight shift at the shelter," American Red Cross Development Director Karli Epstein said. "So, they've been utilized and they're pretty strapped. They don't have power but they're working through it."
The Red Cross is also sending water and blankets.
250,000 meals have also been shipped to 258 different locations.
With disasters like this, preparedness is key.
"It's critical," CEO of the American Red Cross Nevada Chapter Clara Andriola said. "We're the ones who are providing a safe shelter and food and water, and quite frankly, a shoulder when needed."
Some local utility workers will also be going across the country to help restore power to the millions left in the dark, after the storm.
At least 375 workers from 13 western states and Canada will help fix power lines, poles, transformers and insulators.
"When you have a catstrophic event like the flood, the hurricane that hit the east coast, there really aren't enough personnel available at those utilities to help get customers back in service in a reasonable amount of time," NV Energy spokesman Karl Walquist said. "They need help."
While some will fly back east, others will drive utility trucks and take their own tools.
"Some of the firms that are helping out, from the west, are going to have to hit the road, right away, because they're going to be spending a few days getting back to help out with the disasters."
With just a simple text you can donate $10 to relief efforts.
To help the American Red Cross, text "red cross" to 90999.
For the Salvation Army, text "storm" to 80888.
And for the American Humane Society, text "humane" to 80888.
You can also donate to the Red Cross by calling 1-800-733-2767.
Written by Paul Nelson (pictured left to right AmeriCorps members Sabrina Amon & Kelly Boyd – deployed to White Plains NY and Paige Shaw & Bill Shaw – deployed to New Jersey.)
