The remnants of Hurricane Ida are tracking through Pennsylvania today, bringing the threat for flash flooding and severe thunderstorms with possible tornadoes later today.
The Red Cross has disaster workers and supplies stocked and ready to go in the event evacuations are necessary and shelters need to be opened.
Below are some tips on staying safe at home, at work or in the car in today’s terrible weather.
FLOOD SAFETY
If you are driving and encounter torrential rain, try to safely exit the road and park. Stay in your vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. And remember to always drive with your headlights on during rain.
Turn around, don’t drown! If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. 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. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
Be ready to evacuate. If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary. Follow evacuation orders and don’t return until officials say it is safe. Tune into local media for the latest updates.
Stay away from floodwaters. Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
TORNADO SAFETY
Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means a tornado is possible; a warning means it is already happening or will very soon.
During a tornado warning, go to your safe place immediately. Identify a safe place in your home to gather — whether it’s a basement or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. If you live in a mobile home, find a safe place in a nearby sturdy building or vehicle.
If you’re outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get in a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If strong winds and flying debris occur while driving, pull over and park. Keep your seatbelt on and the engine running. Put your head down below the windows and cover your head with your hands and a blanket.
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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.