Relief workers across Orange County are preparing to join what is said to be the largest disaster relief effort by the Red Cross in hopes of helping victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The greater New York division of the Red Cross plans to send food and shelter to victims who fled with nothing. Despite efforts, some Red Cross officials believe more preparation needed to be done before the disaster struck.

Anyone interested in lending a helping hand should call the Red Cross and make arrangements to get trained. Should the greater New York chapter get called to help, only trained volunteers can be utilized.