NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Coastal Virginia American Red Cross has already deployed a dozen volunteers to areas impacted by Debby and is prepared to send more volunteers to North Carolina and South Carolina to serve in those areas, if needed, as heavy rainfall is expected over the next few days.

“All of our coordination is happening with local, state and federal partners who have an awareness of what the Red Cross’ role is in these types of events,” said Jonathan McNamara, regional communications director for the American Red Cross, “and we will evolve as the storm evolves, once we have a clear sense for what the damage is going to be in various areas of Virginia.”

Areas in eastern North Carolina and Virginia are also preparing for the expected rainfall and possible flooding.

McNamara said now is the time for people to prepare at home as well.

“We actually encourage families that have two emergency kits.” McNamara told 10 On Your Side, “One that’s a go bag, that has those key essential items that you may need that you can put in the back of your car if your family was going to evacuate to an emergency shelter or another area that is deemed safe. But then also having a longer-term emergency preparedness kit that is prepared for you to be able to weather the storm for up to two weeks.”

The Red Cross has a list of everything you need in an emergency kit, but McNamara said there are things people often forget, such as a way to charge your phone and cash in case credit card systems are down.

McNamara said it’s also important to have an app on your phone, like the WAVY Weather App, to stay up to date as the weather changes.