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First Named Storm Launches Hurricane Season
Still time to prepare as Tropical Storm Alberto heads toward Florida
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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
FOR MEDIA ONLY
Phone: 202-303-5551
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WASHINGTON, Monday, June 12, 2006 — As Tropical Storm Alberto heads toward Florida, the American Red Cross urges residents in the predicted path to stay tuned to weather forecasts and begin completing preparedness measures now. The first named storm of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season unexpectedly gained strength, causing authorities to issue evacuations along the Gulf Coast.
Working with local emergency management officials, the Red Cross has shelters opened in more than 15 counties in Florida for those who may have to evacuate low lying areas. Emergency response vehicles are moving toward the area, with communication vehicles on standby to respond.
“It is imperative for coastal residents to immediately take the necessary actions that will help keep them and their loved ones safe,” said Heidi Taylor, national preparedness expert for the American Red Cross.
ACTIONS FOR COASTAL RESIDENTS TO TAKE 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. Ask that contact person 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. Include bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, battery-operated radio with extra batteries, prescription medications, bedding, first aid kit, and maps in your kit. 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.
- Bring your pets with you; do not leave them at home. Also, understand that only service animals are permitted in 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.
- Call or e-mail your out-of-town contact to let them know where you are going and when you expect to get there. Remember to call your contact when you have arrived at your destination. 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.
IF YOU ARE NOT ADVISED TO EVACUATE:
- Stay indoors, away from windows. Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
- If your electricity goes out, use flashlights in the dark and never use candles. Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
- Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system unless you have a power transfer switch installed.
In affected areas, monitor 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.
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.
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