PHOENIX (KSAZ) - "You can always rebuild, you can always repair property, you cannot restore a life."
President Obama sent out a powerful message as the East Coast braces for Hurricane Matthew. Storm trackers have projected the Category 3 hurricane may build back up to a Category 4 when the eye approaches the eastern coast of Florida.
The governor of Florida spoke candidly about what's ahead.
"Everyone in our state must prepare for a direct hit, we have less than 24 hours to prepare, evacuate and shelter," Gov. Rick Scott said.
Parts of coastal Georgia and the Carolinas are also hoping for the best, but are preparing for the worst with evacuations in place and shelters ready to go.
"Evacuations are continuing on for Charleston and Buford counties, we have 32 shelters that are now open, four special needs facilities are now open," South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said.
With the possibility of heavy flooding and wind damage, folks from all over are stepping up to give a helping hand. Ten volunteers from the Arizona-New Mexico-El Paso region will be stationed in Columbia, South Carolina on Thursday to aid victims.
"Here in the past, I received a kidney transplant, so it's my way of giving back," Volunteer Mike said. "People don't like going into disasters, people don't like going into fires, but firemen do, so I guess we're all crazy."