OKEECHOBEE — Tropical Storm Erika may have South Florida in her sight and OneBlood, the local blood center, is urging people to include blood donation as part of their storm preparations.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can disrupt blood collections, sometimes for several days.
The most critical time for blood donations are prior to any storm or hurricane in order to sustain the blood supply during and immediately after the event. OneBlood encourages all eligible donors to visit a donor center or Big Red Bus as soon as possible.
To see our story about how hurricane season can impact the blood supply, go online  HERE.
The bloodmobile will visit Okeechobee this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29 and 30, at Walmart from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For a list of other OneBlood Donor Center locations, go to http://www.oneblood.org/Locations/.
Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type visit oneblood.org.

Every two seconds someone needs blood. Blood that is donated today will likely be transfused within two to three days. The turn-around is that fast, the need is constant.