When disaster strikes, people often find themselves unprepared to deal with emergencies.

Due to severe flooding that has ravaged the area over the past few weeks, the Mercer County chapter of the American Red Cross has been trying to help many of the flood-affected families cope with their losses.

Three volunteers from the chapter recently went to flood families in Trumbull County to provide assistance with emergency needs.

One such disaster volunteer is the Rev. Rick Nelson, pastor of New Virginia United Methodist Church, Hermitage.