Severe Conditions Threaten Millions on Both Coasts ─ Follow these Safety Steps

Millions of people on both coasts are facing severe conditions as the wildfire near Malibu, California, forces people to leave their homes and a massive storm covers the entire East coast with torrential rain, ice and snow. The American Red Cross urges everyone in the path of these threats to get prepared now.

WILDFIRES – The Franklin Fire has grown to almost 3,900 acres and is 7% contained. Most of Malibu is under a mandatory evacuation order and several structures are destroyed. Schools are closed and more than 47,000 customers are without power as some utility companies turn off the power in their coverage areas to avoid their lines causing fires. The Red Cross has opened emergency shelters in Santa Monica and Calabasas to offer a safe place to stay for people forced from their homes.

DOUBLE TROUBLE The atmospheric river on the East Coast stretches for 2,000 miles, bringing torrential downpours and flash flooding to the South and ice and snow to the Northeast. The massive storm will impact major eastern cities, including Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Providence, Rhode Island, and Hartford, Connecticut. In addition to the flooding threat, the storm could cause major power outages and impact travel.

The Red Cross is monitoring these situations to respond if needed and offers these safety steps for people in the impacted areas:

POWER OUTAGES If you’re using a generator to power your home, please keep it outside and away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Keep the generator dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area: Keep this equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Operate the generator on a dry surface and don’t touch a generator with wet hands.
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
• Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away.
   

During a power outage, unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.

• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns — not candles to avoid fires.
• Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out, and roads could be congested.
   

To prevent illness, keep food cold. When in doubt, throw it out.

• Eat fresh, perishable foods first.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help keep food cold.
• Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Measure the food temperature in your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
   

WILDFIRE SAFETY A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.

• Know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• If you feel you are in danger leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• To help keep your indoor air clean, don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
   

WINTER STORM SAFETY During a winter storm, stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.

• If you must go outside, wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm, particularly if they are older or live alone.
• Be careful walking on snow or ice and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. If possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
• Stay off the roads when possible. If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help.
   

FLOODING SAFETY Turn around, don’t drown! Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater.

• Stay off the road. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• Just six inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.
   

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and expert advice on wildfires in both English and Spanish. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.