San Diego Red Cross volunteers deploy to Hurricane Dorian

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego Red Cross Volunteers are stepping up to help the many communities at risk of Hurricane Dorian's wrath.

So far 20 volunteers have been assigned to the disaster, 18 will be on the ground, and two are working remotely.

John Stone is deploying Tuesday evening to South Carolina, he's responded to over 20 disasters.

"You catch the bug, I mean you're helping people recover from a natural disaster, every disaster is different," said Stone.

Stone says this deployment is more personal; his daughter lives in Charleston.

"I emphasize with her to have a plan, be ready to go, it's my grandchildren you're dealing with, I want you to be safe," said Stone.

At any moment, the local Red Cross could be asked to send more volunteers.

On Monday night, more than 12,200 people stayed in 171 Red Cross and community evacuation shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

This included nearly 11,700 people in 142 shelters in Florida; some 280 people in 10 Red Cross shelters in Georgia; and 290 people in 19 Red Cross shelters in South Carolina.

More than 1,900 trained Red Cross responders from all over the country are helping to support relief efforts.