Since Hurricane Isaac struck the Gulf Coast less than 24 hours ago, thousands of families have evacuated their homes and turned to the Red Cross for help.

Local volunteers who deployed last week have since been reassigned to shelters in Mississippi and Texas. More than 5,200 residents found a safe haven Tuesday night at about 80 shelters open throughout six states.

With individuals and families forced to leave their home and belongings behind, shelter populations are expected to increase as the slow-moving storm hangs over coastal communities causing widespread power outages and damaging floodwaters. The wind, rain and threats of tornadoes continue to batter communities along the Gulf Coast.

As the storm lingers, the level of response needed across the Gulf Coast will be significant and sustained. More volunteers are expected to be deployed from all parts of the country, including more from Kosciusko County.

The Kosciusko County Chapter of the Red Cross regularly trains community members who are interested in responding to local or national disasters. The next training session, or “Boot Camp,” will be held Sept. 15-16 at the Kosciusko County Red Cross Chapter in Warsaw.

All those who are interested should call 574-267-5244 to register. All Red Cross disaster training is free of charge. The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.