American Red Cross Prepares for Hurricane Wilma

Residents in the path of hurricane should take action now

EDITORIAL NOTE: The American Red Cross Disaster Operations Center is available 24 hours a day at 202-303-5551 for media requests.

WASHINGTON, Thursday, October 20, 2005 — As Hurricane Wilma blows towards Mexico and the southern tip of Florida, the American Red Cross urges residents to take action immediately to help keep them and their loved ones safe. An anticipated landfall in Florida is expected by the weekend.

Even as the Red Cross continues to help the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita reassemble their lives, employees and volunteers are making preparations to assist those potentially affected by Hurricane Wilma.

“Despite the unprecedented response the Red Cross is putting forth for the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Red Cross will be there for victims of other disasters – whether a residential fire or another catastrophic hurricane,” said Joe Becker, American Red Cross vice president of preparedness and response.

The backbone of the Red Cross is in the nearly 900 chapters nationwide. Many have opened shelters, deployed volunteers and delivered service to nearly 2 million survivors of this historic hurricane season. Yet, volunteers and disaster relief workers from across the country again stand ready to head to the areas the hurricane is expected to impact. Shelters in the potentially affected regions of the Southeast are on standby, preparing for activity by the weekend. The Red Cross has approximately 360,000 meals prepared and available for feeding if necessary. In addition, the organization has coordinated with the Southern Baptists, a long-standing partner, to ensure that kitchens are on standby.

“Hurricane Wilma has gained intensity at an historic rate, and those in her path need to take action now to prepare for a potentially catastrophic landfall,” said Keith Robertory, disaster preparedness expert for the American Red Cross.

COASTAL RESIDENTS SHOULD TAKE THESE ACTIONS NOW:

• Make a plan and prepare to evacuate. Plan your evacuation route by using maps and identify alternative routes. Since the telephone system may go down, develop a family communication plan by designating one out-of-town contact that you can call and ask them to let your other loved ones know you are okay. If you have a vehicle, keep at least a half tank of fuel in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.
• Take your disaster supplies kit when evacuating. Your kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, battery-operated radio with extra batteries, prescription medications, bedding, first aid kit, and maps. Be sure to take official documents such as your driver’s license, Social Security card, insurance policies, wills, deeds and birth and marriage certificates.
• Prepare your home for high winds. Bring lawn furniture trash cans, hanging plants, or anything else that can be picked up by the wind inside. Secure your home by closing the windows and doors and protect them by using hurricane shutters or installing pre-cut plywood.
• Pets should not be left behind, but understand that only service animals are permitted in most shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets and bring extra food, water and supplies for them.
• Monitor the media reports. Watch TV, listen to AM/FM or NOAA weather radio and check the Internet often for official news, and evacuate when advised to do so.
• If time allows, call or e-mail your out-of-town contact to let them know where you are going and when you expect to get there. Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going. Check with neighbors who may need a ride or other assistance.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If your car stalls and you are caught on a road with flood water rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Residents in affected areas should monitor their local media for information and locations of American Red Cross evacuation shelters.

For more information, including a downloadable checklist of hurricane safety tips, visit www.redcross.org.

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 thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, 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 victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS 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.

Related Content:

• Downloadable Hurricane Evacuation Checklist