Media Contact: Annette Rowland

Phone: (205) 234-0945

Email: annette.rowland@redcross.org

BIRMINGHAM, AL., June 17, 2021— The second named storm of hurricane season is forecasted to bring heavy rains to the area. After back-to-back years of active hurricane seasons that have broken records, the American Red Cross is urging people in the path to get ready now. This year we will prioritize opening safe group shelters for evacuees and keep precautions in place to help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, including masks, health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and social distancing.

The Red Cross is also preparing for hurricane season by updating our response plans in coordination with local partners, refreshing our stock of relief supplies including cots, blankets and cleaning supplies, and recruiting and training new volunteers.

BE PREPARED FOR HURRICANE SEASON

Preparing for hurricane season doesn’t have to be hard, just follow these steps to help make sure your family is ready to either evacuate or hunker down if a storm threatens your community.

• Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate.
  
• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
  
• Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
  

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to find shelter information and weather and emergency alerts for more than 35 different situations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

HOW TO HELP Help people affected by disasters and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER To join us, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

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 redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.