LANSING, Mich. — Hurricane Dorian could wipe out power to millions in Florida for several weeks.
Utility workers in Florida are gearing up to restore power after the storm passes through and they'll be getting help from out-of-state energy providers, including Michigan.
Crews from Consumers Energy will be leaving for the Sunshine State this weekend to get the state back on its feet. The American Red Cross also sent volunteers Friday and Saturday.
Since joining the Red Cross two years ago, Lisa Castillo of Lansing has responded to wildfires and hurricanes. She's headed now to West Palm Beach, Florida to provide shelter and resources for victims of Hurricane Dorian.
"I signed up with the Red Cross when Harvey hit Texas. I had a cousin that went missing down in the area where it hit and I saw the 800-Red-Cross go across the screen and I thought I should take action and do something," Castillo said. 'It's very rewarding just to see the smiles on people's faces even if they've lost everything and they still have a way to smile and see through the darkness."
She'll be joining two other volunteers from Michigan.
Consumers Energy will also be sending 60 workers at the request of Florida Power and Light as part of their mutual assistance network.
Workers are prepared to work around the clock to restore power and maybe there for up to three weeks.
"As recently as this summer, we had help come to Michigan from six other states so whenever we have a possibility that we can send crews elsewhere to help, as long as we don't have a situation here in Michigan, we want to help any chance we can," said Brian Wheeler, a spokesperson for Consumers Energy.
Castillo may stay in Florida for two weeks or more depending on how great of a need there is.
Consumers Energy is expected to arrive in Florida on Monday. The hurricane is expected to make landfall early Tuesday.
To make an online donation to the Red Cross, click here.
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