Red Cross volunteers head to the Gulf

WATERFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Connecticut volunteers from the American Red Cross have hit the road to help with Tropical Storm Isaac.

"This is my first deployment," said FX Williams, Red Cross volunteer.

It may be Williams' first disaster relief deployment, but he'll be teamed up with a veteran volunteer headed to Orlando. Of course that could change along with Tropical Storm Isaac's path as it cuts through the Gulf Coast.

"Is it Florida, is it Alabama, let me see if I get this right, Mississippi, Louisiana," said Williams.

Six volunteers left from three American Red Cross locations in Farmington, New Haven, and Waterford.

"Towels, sheet, blanket," he said.

Each team of two are bringing an Emergency Response Vehicle to where they will be needed most.

Each of the trucks has the ability to provide 2,400 meals per run. When folks come up to the window they'll get the meal, they'll get some water, and possibly a cleaning kit.

So they can begin their clean up after the storm.

Williams knows conditions could be rough for him as well.

"You see that floor right there," asked Williams. "It may be right there that we'll be sleeping on."

And he is committed to staying in the storm ravaged area for at least two weeks with just one day notice.

"The hardest part of that is that first hour that Sue calls you and says we've got a truck to bring down south," Williams said, "and you think the 50 year in a row family picnic on Saturday."

A disruption in his life, but nothing compared to the disruption Isaac may hurl upon his victims.

Volunteers may return home with a sense of accomplishment.

"Tired, hungry, needing a shower, but I'll be a lot better off than some of the people," he said.

And a new sense of appreciation for what they have. For now though they hit the road for an adventure they won't soon forget.