CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has issued a call for volunteers ahead of the landfall of Hurricane Gustav, according to WLWT-TV.

The aid organization needs volunteers to help people in the Gulf Coast who are fleeing the storm.

Directors said they anticipate needing more than 3,000 volunteers for their relief efforts.

“Now that mandatory evacuation is in place there is an urgent need for volunteer assistance at Red Cross shelters set up throughout the South,” disaster staffing specialist Kevin Quatman told the Ohio TV station. “We’re looking specifically for people who are able to travel immediately and stay for up to 2 weeks.”

The Red Cross will train volunteers in mass care and shelter operations.

However, there are some requirements to be a volunteer.

Anyone interested in applying must be:

• Be at least 18 years of age or older
• Attend Red Cross training
• Complete and pass a background check
• Have a valid driver’s license and email address
• Be willing to accept a 15-day assignment
• Be able to depart within 1-2 days