Mamaroneck Man Heads To Florida To Open Red Cross Shelter

MAMARONECK, NY — Ed Merians was getting ready to head to Orlando Thursday, but not for the reasons most people travel to that part of Florida. His orders “are to fly to Orlando, rent an Avis car and go to the hotel,” he said during a phone call. “I will be dispatched to open a shelter.”

The Town of Mamaroneck resident is a volunteer for the American Red Cross who has been trained to be a shelter manager, operating facilities for up to 600 people. Merians will be in Orlando when Hurricane Irma hits the state of Florida.

“Hopefully, they’ve selected a good strong building,” he said.

Merians, who volunteered during hurricanes Irene and Sandy, said his job is to create a safe place for whoever may come through the door. “And then hopefully, the sun comes out and they all get to go home,” he said with a chuckle.

However, “once we get the shelter open, we deal with what we have,” Merians said.

He said the Red Cross has used Orlando as a staging area for many Florida events. “I expect a high degree of preparedness,” Merians said.

He said he is not concerned about being in harm’s way of the massive Category 5 storm. “I’m worried about doing my best,” Merians said. “This is a moment of truth. I don’t want to let anybody down who needs me.”

As of Thursday, Irma, which is already the most powerful Atlantic storm on record, has forced Florida officials to order evacuations.

National Weather Service projections show the hurricane could weaken slightly when it makes landfall in Florida Sunday morning, but only down to a Category 4.

Merians said his training has given him the confidence he needs to do the job he’s been assigned. “It give me a chance to give back to my country and neighbors,” he said.

Merians emphasized that the Red Cross’ resources have been stretched thin, especially on the heels of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

“It’s important to understand that giving cash gifts is the most vital thing a person can do,” he said, acknowledging that the organization has made some mistakes in the past and has received some bad press.

“The mission of the Red Cross is really vital,” Merians said. “We are not perfect, but I know I’m going there to really work hard.”

He said the volunteers are extremely conscientious about how we use donated money.

“Whatever you do, give,” Merians said.

Photo credit: Submitted.