Gov. Ed Rendell is sending ambulances, emergency responders and more to help the response to Hurricane Gustav, which is threatening the Gulf Coast.

Mr. Rendell announced the measures Friday, and encouraged Pennsylvanians to support the American Red Cross' disaster relief fund, which will help the storm's victims.

An urban search and rescue unit was expected to leave yesterday to report to a staging area in Georgia or Alabama. The unit is trained to respond to hazardous rescue missions, such as a building collapse.

Also, 60 Department of Health ambulances and six support vehicles will be going to Louisiana to evacuate people from nursing homes, hospitals and elsewhere.

In addition, the National Guard will send a CH-47 helicopter and crew to Louisiana.