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American Red Cross Reminds Americans That 2005 Hurricane Season is Far from Over
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National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org
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Contact: Public Affairs Desk
Organization: FOR MEDIA ONLY
Phone: (202) 303-5551
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WASHINGTON, Wednesday, October 05, 2005 — Despite autumn color in New England and predictions of snow in the Rockies, the record-setting 2005 hurricane season isn’t over, experts say. The American Red Cross urges residents from coast to coast to take control of their own safety by preparing for disaster, in whatever form it may occur.
On Monday, hurricane researcher William Gray of Colorado State University predicted two hurricanes – one of them major – in October. “Unfortunately, the very active season we have seen to this point is not yet over,” Gray told The Associated Press.
Gray and his fellow researcher Phillip Klotzbach put the likelihood of a named storm hitting the U.S. coast during October at 49%, compared with an average of 29% from 1950 to 2000. Through the end of September, the 2005 season has had nine hurricanes, five of them major, and 17 named storms, according to the AP. The 50-year average is 5.9 hurricanes, 2.3 of them major and 9.6 named storms for an entire season.
“In the face of any disaster, preparedness is crucial,” said Joe Becker, American Red Cross senior vice president, preparedness and response. “Katrina is a wake up call for Americans to prepare now.”
“Make a plan, build a kit,” is the backbone of Red Cross disaster preparedness advice. A family communications plan will reconnect loved ones whether they are at home, at work, at school or elsewhere when an emergency occurs. A disaster supplies kit will equip every family member with essential items in the chaos of an emergency.
More than 287,000 people have registered their status on the Red Cross “Family Links Registry,” which has enabled untold millions to locate their loved ones in the wake of the storms.
For additional information on preparing for a disaster such as a hurricane or an emergency such as a broken leg, visit www.redcross.org. Your local Red Cross chapter also has printed materials on these subjects.
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