MERRILLVILLE | Hurricane Gustav may have been weaker than expected, but that didn't stop volunteers from American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana from making their way to the Gulf Coast to assist in disaster relief efforts.

American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana Chief Executive Officer Gordon T. Johnson said three volunteers and an emergency response vehicle traveled to the Gulf Coast last week and another volunteer left Tuesday.

Johnson said Gustav, which was downgraded to a tropical depression Tuesday, forced thousands of people to be displaced in shelters.

"We're of course grateful it was less severe" than expected, Johnson said.

He said the Northwest Indiana volunteers are among thousands of Red Cross volunteers from across the country that will provide food and other support to those affected by Gustav.

Johnson said his office also has been notified about a few people who evacuated their homes prior to the storm and are now staying with family and friends in Northwest Indiana.

The Red Cross will schedule appointments with those people to find out how the Red Cross can assist them, Johnson said.

A couple of area electrical utilities also are doing their part to assist in the Gulf Coast.

ComEd sent 60 employees to Louisiana and NIPSCO released contractors to assist in restoration projects in the disaster area, according to officials from the companies.

Johnson said Red Cross officials are also gearing up in the event assistance is needed because of Hurricane Hanna, which could hit southern states by the end of the week.

Johnson said many people want to volunteer their services after disasters such as hurricanes, but training is needed before the Red Cross can send them to disaster locations.

He said people interested in volunteering with the organization must take CPR and first-aid training in addition to gaining experience locally.

He said if people want to contribute immediately, they can donate money for disaster relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org.

Contact the American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana at (219) 756-5360 for more information about the organization and ways to help.