Contact: Diane Concannon, American Red Cross - North Jersey Region
Telephone Office: (609) 951-2116
Telephone Cell: (609) 206-4043
Diane.Concannon@redcross.org
FOR MEDIA ONLY
PRINCETON, NJ, October 25, 2012 — The American Red Cross North Jersey Region is monitoring Hurricane Sandy as it heads north along Florida’s coastline and is working closely with government and other New Jersey partners on response plans should the storm have an impact on the state. While it is still too early to predict the precise track Sandy will take, forecasters say the storm may pose a threat to New Jersey early next week.
“Now is the time to put your plans in place and shop for any supplies necessary to update your disaster kits,” says Dennis McNulty, director of Disaster Services with the American Red Cross North Jersey Region. “Discuss your communication plan with family members to make sure all household members know what to do should this storm have a major impact on New Jersey.”
Just as the Red Cross is preparing for Hurricane Sandy, people in New Jersey should take the threat of Sandy seriously and take steps now to be prepared – build a kit, make a plan and be informed. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of hurricanes, which may bring flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes.
Red Cross tools make it easier for people to make or update plans. The Hurricane App for iPhone or Android smart phones helps people create a plan, share it with household members and over social networks. In addition, a template and instructions to build a plan are available at redcross.org.
The American Red Cross recommends the following preparedness actions:
Get or assemble an emergency preparedness kit:
A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:
Prepare a family evacuation plan:
The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.
Be informed:
Know what to do if a hurricane WATCH is issued:
Know what to do if a hurricane WARNING is issued:
For more information about hurricane preparedness, visit www.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross North Jersey Region:
The American Red Cross North Jersey Region provides programs and services throughout the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren, with a combined population of 5.7 million. The region trains and mobilizes 4,500 volunteers who support the delivery of services in the community. Last year, the Red Cross North Jersey Region responded to 419 local disasters, helping 929 families displaced by home fires; educated more than 15,000 community members about disaster preparedness; collected more than 28,500 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; helped 844 military families send emergency messages, receive financial assistance, and get counseling and referrals; assisted 870 military members and their families facing deployment on how to access our services anywhere in the world; and trained 143,344 individuals with lifesaving skills in CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For continuous updates, follow us on Twitter @RedCrossNorthNJ. View the North Jersey Region list of social media channels.