The American Red Cross is finding itself in an almost unprecedented situation having to shelter thousands of victims of two major disasters at the same time.

News 12 met one leader at the Red Cross in Milford, who says Connecticut now has a record number of volunteers in the South and Southwest – around 100 people - who are playing a crucial role in running shelters for victims of Harvey and Irma.

Lucian Terranova explains that he ran a massive shelter during Hurricane Katrina, where the organization learned the importance of having trained volunteers who have been through background checks.

While Connecticut has sent many volunteers already, a lot of people have jobs to return to and will need to be replaced.

Terranova says that the Red Cross facility in Milford is training volunteers to go to Florida, Texas and other states, and they still have spots in classes for people who want to help and are able to go.