Volunteers in the Hudson Valley are stepping up to assist those in need in hurricane-ravaged Florida.

New York state is sending a pair of heavy-lift helicopters and 11 National Guard members to provide airlift support. More than 58 tractor-trailers full of supplies are also on their way down.

About a dozen people from Westchester, Rockland and West Point, are among the 900 Red Cross volunteers in Florida right now.

It is a frightening time as they are dealing with massive flooding, power outages and destructive winds.

Approximately 13,000 Florida residents are staying in Red Cross shelters as disaster workers help with housing and relief efforts. They're bringing in cots, medical supplies, food, and water. "It's critically important to deploy volunteers and to get people down to the areas where the need is the greatest. So, we are moving fast and trying to get as many people down there as possible," says Stephanie Dunn, of the American Red Cross New York North Metro Chapter. When asked what is in need most if people want to donate, local Red Cross officials say blood is actually at the top of the list.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his state will need a lot of help in the coming days and weeks so there will be plenty for people to do. If you're thinking of getting involved, just be careful of scammers. Unfortunately there are people out there who look to take advantage at times like this.