F1 weekend puts snag in disaster relief

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Monday morning a house fire left nine people without a home, and the American Red Cross of Central Texas is stepping up to find temporary housing for the family.

They say with hotels booked this weekend for visitors coming for the Formula One race, they're having to get creative in order to help families in need.

With 6,000 hotel rooms downtown and 30,000 city-wide there will still be a shortage this weekend, as more than 300,000 people are expected for the F1 U.S. Grand Prix race.

For the American Red Cross, the over-crowded hotels present a challenge when it comes to helping families that may be displaced.

"Our main concern is making sure people have a safe place to go once they're affected by disaster," said Josh Jackson, with the American Red Cross.

The organization is now working with the city to come up with plan to help house those in need. They also have mobile shelters ready to go in case of an emergency.

"We've got agreements in place all the time and this weekend is no exception, so we are willing to open up shelters if we need to," said Jackson.

The American Red Cross in Austin says while they're used to out-of-town visitors for big events like Austin City Limits Music Festival and South By Southwest filling up vacant rooms, they're unsure what to expect with Formula One.

"It's just a little different," said Jackson. "I think everyone is concerned because it's new; we have never had F1 here before."

And while disaster can strike at any time, the Red Cross says the key is making sure they're prepared no matter what.

The American Red Cross says they are always looking for volunteers, and there are many opportunities to help.

The hotel rush isn't just limited to Austin. Hotels in Round Rock, San Marcos, Bastrop and even Marble Falls are seeing a surge of demand this week.

The opening Formula One race will take place this Sunday at Circuit of The Americas racetrack in Elroy. Practice races run twice on Friday and once Saturday morning. The qualifying race is Saturday afternoon.