|
Red Cross urges preparedness as Ernesto heads towards U.S.
Amanda Mark with Leigh-Anne Dennison, Staff, Redcross.org
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 — Having become the first hurricane of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season over the weekend, Ernesto was downgraded to tropical storm status even as it battered the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. The storm system slowed and weakened as it made landfall yesterday, but forecasters warn that it could regain strength and its hurricane status as it heads for south Florida.
A satellite image of Tropical Storm Ernesto which, having drenched the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, is now heading towards south Florida, Aug. 29, 2006. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NOAA)
|
Current projections suggest that the storm will reach southern Florida in the next few days. A hurricane watch is in effect for coastal southern Florida, meaning that hurricane-force winds are possible within the next 36 hours. The storm could then move up the eastern seaboard of the United States bringing heavy rain, winds and flash flooding all along the coast.
The American Red Cross is urging people in Florida, Georgia and other states all along the coast to take time now to prepare for severe weather conditions.
“Individuals and families can never be too prepared,” said Keith Robertory, disaster preparedness expert for the American Red Cross. “Although the hurricane has been downgraded by the National Hurricane Center to a tropical storm, communities in Ernesto’s path need to take action now to plan for a potentially dangerous landfall. There is the possibility that the storm will strengthen again or another storm may form – so continue to review your family communications plan and disaster supplies kit while you have the opportunity.”
While preparedness may sound like a daunting task, it can be boiled down to a few simple steps that can make a huge difference in how you weather the storm—get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.
Get a Kit — Build or buy and customize an emergency supplies kit that includes:
- Non-perishable food and a can opener, if necessary.
- Water, at least one gallon per person for three days.
- A radio and flashlight with extra batteries for each.
- A first aid kit and any necessary medications.
- Protective clothing
- Special items to accommodate infants, persons with disabilities or pets.
- Important documents such as identification, passports, insurance policies, deeds, wills, etc.); use a portable, waterproof and fireproof container to protect them.
Additional supplies can be added for comfort, including extra sets of clothing and bedding, personal hygiene products and things to help pass the time such as books or games. Make a Plan — Make evacuation and communication plans that include:
- Identify where you can go if you are told to evacuate.
- Have a few options outside the affected area, such as a friend or family member's home, a motel or a shelter.
- Plan alternative routes in case roads are closed or congested.
- Be sure to check on pet policies in advance.
- Plan for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by making an emergency contact list and choosing a single point of contact, outside the area likely to be affected, that each household member can call or e-mail.
- Use the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site, accessible through www.redcross.org, to register yourself or search for loved ones.
Be Informed
— Know what could happen and stay alert to what is happening in your area:
- Know the difference between a watch and a warning; a watch means conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours while a warning means conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.
- Talk to your family about the types of problems that could result from the disaster:
- Tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash flood are a common before, during and after a hurricane makes landfall. Don't think that the calm of the hurricane eye means danger has passed.
- High winds can uproot trees and scrubs and make branches or common household items into dangerous projectiles.
- Storms can pull down power lines and knock out electricity.
- Discuss what steps you can take to prepare your home and for evacuating, such as:
- Bringing in any outdoor furniture or decorations, trash cans, hanging plants, etc., that could be picked up by high winds and cause damage.
- Covering windows with storm shutters or using precut plywood.
- Filling your car's gas tank and gathering maps in case you need to navigate unfamiliar evacuation routes.
- Printing out local emergency information and instructions, such as the evacuation checklist available on Redcross.org.
- Listen to the local radio, TV and NOAA radio stations for updated storm information and evacuation orders.
- Follow the directions of emergency officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
The Red Cross and its more than 800 local chapters have been busy preparing since long before this hurricane season began, instituting changes and enhances based on lessons learned from last year's devastating hurricane season. Now, the organization is making specific plans for the potential severe weather Ernesto could bring to communities in its path.
Nationally, the organization has pre-positioned supplies and strategically-located warehouses stocked and ready to assist in Red Cross shelter openings or relief efforts while locally, chapters are reaching out to their community partners and mobilizing their own resources.
For more information on how to prepare for this and other disasters, visit the “Get Prepared” section (www.redcross.org/prepare) on Redcross.org. Pre-made American Red Cross emergency supplies kits can be purchased securely online at the Redcross.org Store.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
Related Links:
Related Content:
|
