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Southeastern Storms Spark Red Cross Response
Written by
Lesly C. Hallman
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Wednesday, November 24, 2004 — Heavy rain and tornadoes are ravaging parts of the Southeastern United States, forcing hundreds of residents from their homes and into shelters. The same storm system that moved through Texas earlier this week dropping heavy rains spawned at least three tornadoes when it reached Alabama this morning, killing at least four people.
Flash flood watches are now in effect for ten counties in Alabama, in addition to watches issued by the National Weather Service in Texas as streams and rivers continue to rise, pushing dangerously close to flood stage, and endangering nearby residents.
In Texas, 100 people were asked to evacuate in areas close to the Guadalupe River in DeWitt County, expected to crest Thursday or Friday, and about 2,500 people were asked to evacuate homes near the Colorado River in Wharton County. The Colorado was expected to crest late Wednesday.
Flood waters like these in Texas can devastate homes and property. |
Hundreds of trained Red Cross volunteers have been called into action to assist evacuees, and many will be giving up their Thanksgiving holidays to help others in need. Many of the volunteers recently returned home from long assignments in Florida and other states affected by this season’s hurricanes.
The same storm system moved across parts of Mississippi and Louisiana. In Mississippi yesterday, a tornado killed one person and injured two others outside Louisville, in Winston County.
Many areas around central and southeastern Texas got up to 8 inches of rain from Sunday through Wednesday of last week, according to the National Weather Service said. Areas in Harris and Galveston Counties also reported tornadoes.
Red Cross disaster officials recommend taking the following precautions to prepare for hazardous flooding:
Know What to Expect
- Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By--
- Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
- Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
- A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
- A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
- A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
- A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing--
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
- Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
- If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Your local Red Cross Chapter can provide additional materials in English and Spanish.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of [this disaster] and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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