Oregonians Deploy for Tropical Storm Gustav
  

Though Tropical Storm Gustav isn't projected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast until the end of Labor Day weekend, the American Red Cross is preparing for the anticipated hurricane by deploying volunteers and staging supplies in key communities.

Six volunteers from the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross will leave for Baton Rouge, LA today to assist with setting up shelters for residents as needed.

• Erin Wright, Hillsboro
• Kurt Klutschkowski, Portland
• Lynda Holm, Rockaway Beach
• Mike Redlin, Wood Village
• Mary Lou Hadwick, Portland
• Margie Thom, Estacada

Cities along the Gulf Coast are not taking the threat of Gustav lightly. In New Orleans, National Guard troops are standing by and officials have begun preliminary planning to evacuate and lock down the city. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has already declared a state of emergency on forecaster's speculations that it could become a major hurricane. Currently, the death toll from Gustav is up to 23 in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

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In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster every 36 hours; provides 97 percent of Oregon's blood supply; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides transportation to seniors and the disabled; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit