Residents urged to get ready, stay ready as Hurricane Season unfolds

ATLANTA, Monday, September 10, 2018 —In Georgia and up and down the East Coast, the American Red Cross is working around-the-clock with emergency partners to prepare for Hurricane Florence. Disaster teams are identifying shelters, putting volunteers on standby and mobilizing supplies and Emergency Response Vehicles in advance of the Category 4 storm. Here in Georgia, the Red Cross not only anticipates providing refuge for neighbors in need from our state but is also prepared to help evacuees from the Carolinas and other states fleeing the storm.

The Red Cross urges everyone in the potential path of Florence and/or the widespread flooding expected to follow to get “Red Cross Ready” now: assemble an emergency kit, make a plan for family and pets, and stay informed of critical updates before, during and after the storm.

“The Red Cross is always working behind the scenes to ensure volunteers and resources are ready, whenever and where ever they’re are needed the most, said Virginia Mewborn, Director of Disaster Services for the Red Cross of Georgia. We also encourage Georgians to take important steps, now, to reduce the potential widespread impact that Hurricane Florence and future hurricanes can have on their lives during and after landfall.”

HURRICANE SAFETY:

• Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or watch TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• Build an emergency kit that contains food, water and other basic supplies – enough for three days for each family member and pets. You should also include cash, essential medications, copies of important documents (like insurance policies and copies of photo ID’s) and entertaining items for young children and pets.
• Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans and other items to prevent them from becoming flying objects.
• Know your zone and always follow evacuation orders.
• If evacuation shelters open, you can find them here or by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency! App. The app is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
• Don’t forget your pets. Put together an emergency kit for your pets, including sturdy leashes and pet carriers. You should also locate pet shelters or pet-friendly shelters. Additional pet safety tips are available here.

FLOOD SAFETY

• Turn around, don’t drown. If you encounter a flooded roadway while walking or driving, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Follow evacuation orders and always heed the advice of local officials: do not attempt to return home until officials say it is safe to do so.

SAFE AND WELL:

• The American Red Cross Safe and Well website is free and it allows individuals and organizations to register and indicate that they are safe. You can also search for missing loved ones on the site in English or Spanish.

For more information on how to be Red Cross Ready for any type of emergency or disaster, click here.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Hurricane Florence is just one of many storms currently developing, during a very busy hurricane season. Across the globe, the Red Cross is also ready to respond to Typhoon Mangkhut in Guam, Hurricane Olivia in Hawaii, and Hurricane Issac in USVI and Puerto Rico.

The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American Public to provide help and hope after emergencies and disasters. To make a financial donation to support Red Cross disaster relief call 1-800- RED CROSS, go to RedCross.org or text ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.

NOTE:
For regular updates on Red Cross activity surrounding Hurricane Florence in the state of Georgia, please check RedCross.org/Georgia and follow us on social media: Facebook @redcrossgeorgia and Twitter @GARedcross

 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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