LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s a race against the clock.

As Hurricane Milton moves further along its path, Kentucky organizations are on the ground and on their way to help. The storm is so large it can be seen from the International Space Station, and Floridians are doing what they can to prepare. 

“We have over 780 volunteers already on the ground in Florida, ahead of Hurricane Milton, having staffed and opened evacuation centers," said Nikki Salladay, regional disaster officer of the American Red Cross Kentucky Region. "We’ve got folks down there ready to go for mobile feeding, for distribution of emergency supplies and really pre-positioning as best as we could out of the path of the hurricane.” 

Salladay said they've already deployed more than three dozen Kentucky volunteers and assigned another five volunteers to support between hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Everything in the path of Helene, we’ve already got those folks who have been on the ground for more than a week and a half now in support of that hurricane," Salladay said. 

Salladay said the agency is trained, prepared and has all the necessary infrastructure in place, adding there are tangible ways to help after both hurricanes, even from at home in Kentucky. 

"One is if you can ... sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer," Salladay said. "Get our training, then deploy to assist in one of these disaster-impacted areas. The requirement for that is that we do ask for a two-week commitment to deploy. But then we do cover all transportation, meals and lodging while you’re deployed.”

Salladay also encouraged people to donate financially and give blood. 

A Red Cross official added they expect the number of Kentucky-based volunteers to grow, and there are more Kentucky volunteers on standby. 

The American Red Cross Kentucky Region said evacuation centers are open across the state of Florida. People can find a safe place to stay on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).