Atlanta Red Cross volunteers head to Mississippi - CBS Atlanta 46

Atlanta Red Cross volunteers head to Mississippi

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ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -

Mississippi expects heavy wind, rain, and storm surge. That's why 17 Red Cross volunteers from Atlanta will deploy to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Tuesday morning.

They will work primarily in shelters, helping ensure people have food and lodging.

"People come there for a safe place to sleep, for families to stay together, they get meals there, they get mental health support, nursing support, they get guidance on what steps to take to start to rebuild their lives if that's the case. So there's a lot of human touch that happens in a place like that," said Sherry Nicholson with the American Red Cross.

These folks are no strangers to helping in times of need.

In June, a dozen volunteers ventured from Atlanta to the Florida Panhandle following Hurricane Debby.

The volunteers train year-round for disasters are prepared to perform a number of tasks.

"We drill. We have workshops. We partner with our emergency partners and just plan, plan, plan all year long," said Nicholson.

Some volunteers will stay in Mississippi for up to three weeks, depending on the need.

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