NH Red Cross manager heads to Fla. in wake of tropical storm

More than a foot of rain has fallen in Florida, where they’re getting soaked by Tropical Storm Debby, and meteorologists said it could top 2 feet by the time the storm moves out.

One person in the Sunshine State died in a tornado spawned by Debby, and a man in Alabama disappeared after being swept away in rough surf.

Monday night, the New Hampshire Red Cross sent one of its managers south to coordinate relief efforts. While most people avoid the area, Ian Dyar is heading straight there. When he was 12, Dyar lived in Florida and saw the Red Cross come to the rescue of Hurricane Andrew victims.

Since then, he said, he has dedicated his life to helping others.

Debby has sustained 45 mph winds and her drenching rains have caused power outages across the state. Damage from the storm includes toppled trees, battered beach homes and shattered windows.The Coast Guard had to rescue a family of nine and their dogs after they were stranded on an island surrounded by rising water.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency.

“When you get the call, you really want to jump in and get ready to go to help out the team down there,” Dyar said. He is one of only 27 certified Red Cross Disaster Services program managers in the nation. He’s bringing his expertise from Nashua to Tampa, Fla., helping coordinate relief efforts with Red Cross volunteers and government agencies.

“We’ll be working with our partners down there as well,” Dyar said. “Whether it’s the Salvation Army or Southern Baptists, we’re all at the table to collaborate, to make sure individuals are being fed, shelters are being opened appropriately and providing those services that are necessary during the operation.”

The aftermath of the storm is the biggest challenge, but Dyar said he’s trained and ready. “I just really enjoy helping people,” he said. “I enjoy working with the volunteers. They’re outstanding. They’re people that give of their time to go out there and help others in their darkest time of need.”

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