TOLEDO, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine has activated the Ohio National Guard to go to Florida and help with the coming aftermath of Hurricane Milton, just over a week since Hurricane Helene tore through parts of multiple southern states.
"They'll be pre-positioned to help with mitigation efforts when that hurricane is done," said Maj. Gen. John Harris, who is one of the 40 members heading south.
Harris said the group will be focused on destruction, making sure first responders can make their way through the roadways.
"This model only works because we have families and employers that are supportive that allow these people to go do what they do to save lives and make life better for people that are going to be affected by this hurricane," Harris said.
With Hurricane Helene and Milton hitting the south nearly back-to-back, the American Red Cross is asking for more people to donate blood, too.
"It's a way that we here that aren't necessarily affected by these storms can make a real difference for patients in need not only locally, but across the country," Red Cross spokesperson Christina Peters said.
Peters said when hurricanes cause destruction, blood drives in affected areas are canceled, which can cause a shortage.
So, the Red Cross is encouraging people to roll up their sleeves.
"If there is a need in one of those areas we can ship blood there and of course that allows patients who are in the middle of those disaster areas to continue to get the lifesaving treatment they need," Peters said.
The impact of donating blood, especially with another hurricane coming, is on the minds of long-time donors.
"I know it's going to go to someone in need, whether it is the hurricane or somewhere else," donor Lori Pierce said.
"It's the USA, we're a whole, we're a community, go out and donate," donor Joan Miller added.
Below is a list of blood donation drives happening in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan this month. To schedule a donation, click here.