Hurricane Harvey: How Somerset County Residents Can Help

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Hurricane Harvey has ripped through Texas, displacing thousands and destroying hundreds of homes. As Hurricane Harvey, now downgraded to a tropical storm, continues to dump dozens of inches of rain across eastern Texas, many across the country have been wondering how they can help.

Although the rain hasn't stopped yet, it's not too early for Somerset County residents to begin supporting the residents of Texas. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Donate Money

The best way to help is by making monetary donations to reputable organizations. Donating can be as easy as texting HARVEY to 90999 to send $10 to the Red Cross, or calling 1- 800-RED CROSS. To send donations to the Salvation Army, you can text STORM to 51555 or call 1-800- SAL-ARMY.

"Right now the best thing people can do is donate money," Katrina Farmer, a director with the American Red Cross, told Fox News. "This is going to be an expensive disaster."

Both organizations have a longstanding history of providing shelter, food and other support services after devastating storms.

• Read More: Hurricane Harvey Regroups While Houston Rescues And Recovers

Over 30,000 People Might Need Shelter After Harvey

Donate Blood

Storm-related injuries can lead to a drain in blood supplies, and as local blood drives are cancelled, organizations need outside help to meet demand. If you are able to, donating blood to national organizations ensures patients in Texas and across the country can get treatment they need.

Type O blood is most frequently used in emergency situations, and those with that type are strongly encouraged to donate. You can find a Red Cross blood drive near you here.

• Read More: Harvey Churns Back Off Shore, Second Landfall Expected On Tuesday

Foster Animals

Hurricane Harvey has left many pets homeless and in need of families. Austin Pets Alive!, a local rescue group, has been working to find shelter animals new homes. You can read more about how to foster or adopt an animal from them here.

The Humane Society of North Texas is also working on relief efforts for abandoned animals; you can help their efforts out here.

• Read More: Houston-area Mandatory Evacuations Ordered Monday

Stay Home

If you aren't a trained emergency volunteer, helping from home is the best option. New Jersey has already begun sending trained disaster volunteers; so far 10 volunteers have traveled to Texas to assist in relief efforts.

“Ten New Jersey Red Cross volunteers are proudly serving alongside local volunteers in Texas, helping provide a safe haven for those who have evacuated their homes due to Hurricane Harvey,” said Ana Montero, regional CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “Additional volunteers are ready to deploy to help with the disaster response effort as needed. We’re thankful for their dedication to help others in a time of need.”

• Read More: Unprecedented Flooding Impacts Costal Texas Cities

Evacuees wade down a flooded section of Interstate 610 as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston. The remnants of Hurricane Harvey sent devastating floods pouring into Houston Sunday as rising water chased thousands of people to rooftops or higher ground. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)