ORLANDO, Fla. – July 31, 2020 – As Hurricane Isaias moves toward Florida, the American Red Cross of Central Florida is preparing to help and urges everyone in the path of this storm to stay informed and get ready now.

Hurricane Isaias has the potential to bring strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous surf conditions to Florida, especially along the Treasure Coast. The Red Cross is coordinating closely with state and county government emergency management partners to support the needs of the communities impacted.

With Hurricane Watches and Warnings in effect for portions of Florida’s East Coast, here are safety steps that residents can take now for personal readiness:

• Know the difference between a watch and warning. A WATCH means a hurricane, tropical storm or flooding is possible. A WARNING means conditions are expected within 36 hours.
• Monitor local radio and news channels, or a NOAA radio, for the latest updates. Follow guidance from local officials.
• Check your emergency kit and replace any missing items, as well as adding items to protect against COVID-19 like disinfectant supplies (hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol and cleaning wipes) and cloth face coverings for everyone in your household who can wear one safely. 
• If you can’t shelter in place, have a plan for where you’ll go (relatives, friends) and know what sheltering resources may be available through emergency apps or messaging from local emergency management officials. 
• Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare a pet emergency kit with leashes or carriers, food, water, bowls, cat litter and box, and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated.
• Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open shelters and expert advice on emergency situations. The Emergency App includes an “I’m Safe” feature that helps people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores, or go to redcross.org/apps.

The Red Cross has guidance available on getting prepared for a hurricane while still protecting yourself from COVID-19 here. For full hurricane safety information, visit redcross.org/hurricane.

The Central Florida Region of the American Red Cross serves 19 counties through five chapters: Florida’s Space Coast (Daytona Beach), Greater Orlando, Mid-Florida (Winter Haven), Southwest Florida (Sarasota) and Tampa Bay. For more information, visit redcross.org/centralflorida. Also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

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