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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Red Cross volunteers from the Central South Carolina Chapter left home Wednesday, to serve those in Hurricane Earl’s path whose homes could be in danger.

“They are usually pretty happy to see us,” said disaster relief volunteer Carol Proxee.

Speaking from experience, Proxee has been with the Red Cross for five years.

“I am very blessed because I have not been affected by disasters, and it’s a way for me to give back,” said Proxee.

Proxee is apart of a team of five women, who left for Raleigh, North Carolina in preparation of Hurricane Earl's arrival.

“The volunteers that are leaving here will be able to work easily and seamlessly with volunteers around the country,” said Public Affairs Manager Susan Benesh.

According Benesh, Red Cross has 14 shelters ready to open in North Carolina with 80 additional sites on standby.

Volunteers are prepared to remain in affected areas for two to three weeks, should they be needed in providing food, water, and emergency supplies to victims.

Traveling in two emergency response vehicles (ERVS), Proxee and her team are prepared for the worst.

“If it affects an area, we will go there with the emergency response vehicles,” said Proxee.

Forecasters expect Hurricane Earl to hit Hatteras Island the hardest, and if that happens, Proxee and her team expect to be nearby.