Georgia Power crews have been sent north for the last three days to help get the lights back on for millions of people without power. And local American Red Cross teams are also rendering aid to Sandy Victims.

Red Cross volunteer Paul Mullins, of Cherokee County , went with a team to upstate New York to set up shelters for storm victims. But he says the team’s shelter kit had not arrived yet and they were running out of time:

“We went down to the local fire department, and spoke with them and the volunteer fire dep’t brought up some cots and blankets that you had there. You just make do with what you can to be prepared, so we were able to set up a shelter with minimal supplies.”

Three Georgia Power crews made up primarily of linemen and engineers have been sent to the Northeast to help other utility companies deal with massive power outages and damage.

John Kraft with Georgia Power says this is part of the company’s mutual assistance agreement to loan resources when needed:

“They can take over an area, if the host utility sets it up that way, and they’ll work in that area replacing poles, replacing wires, and damaged equipment and basically getting the lights back on as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Superstorm Sandy has knocked out power to over 8 million homes and businesses across the Northeast.

The Red Cross housed about 11,000 people Monday night, and have opened up over 250 shelters in 16 states.

Tags: Georgia Power, Red Cross, parker wallace, superstorm sandy