Take Action Now: Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Stay Informed
ATLANTA, Tuesday, June 4, 2019— While summer brings the promise of HOT weather and trips to the pool, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include thunderstorms, heavy rain, severe weather and an increased risk of flooding. The Red Cross of Georgia wants everyone to know what steps they can take to stay safe if potentially dangerous weather is predicted for their community.
HEAVY RAIN & FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
· Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, 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.
· Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates.
· If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
· Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
· If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
· If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
If You Do Nothing Else, Do This…
· Put together an emergency kit.
· Know your community’s evacuation plan.
· Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
Then, If You Can, Do This…
· Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
· Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce a tornado.
· Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.
· Learn how to crouch low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees and your head between your knees. Minimize your body’s surface area and minimize your contact with the ground. Lightning current often enters a victim through the ground rather than by a direct overhead strike.
Emergency Preparedness: Be Red Cross Ready
Assemble an Emergency Kit
· Make sure your kit contains food, water and other basic supplies, like medications – enough for three days for each family member and pets.
Make a Plan
· Create an Evacuation Plan for EVERYONE in your household.
· Learn about how your community responds to severe weather and plan routes to local evacuation shelters.
Stay Informed
· Listen to local media or NOAA Weather Radio stations.
· Download the free Red Cross Emergency App.
For more information on how to Be Red Cross Ready, get this one-page checklist available in (English) and (Spanish).
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