SOUTH CAROLINA, September 27, 2022– Now a Category 3 hurricane, Ian could grow to a Category 4 storm as it begins to impact millions of people in Florida. In preparation for Hurricane Ian, the American Red Cross has moved hundreds of trained volunteers from across the country and tens of thousands of relief supplies to Florida and is opening dozens of shelters to make sure people have a safe place to ride out the storm.
As communities in Florida and throughout the Southeast prepare for the wrath of Hurricane Ian, it’s a reminder to take preparedness steps here in South Carolina.
WHAT
5 steps you can take today to prepare your family and 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.
Include pets in your planning. Pets are part of the family. Have your animal crate, supplies, medications and food ready to go should a disaster hit. Give blood. The need for blood is constant. Blood can take up to three days to be tested, processed and made available for patients, so it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency. Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
WHY
The forecast track has shifted east which increased the potential impacts of Ian on South Carolina. A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued for some coastal areas of South Carolina. There is increasing confidence that South Carolina will experience statewide impacts from Ian, but the magnitude and location of the most significant impacts will be determined by the eventual track. Coastal flooding and storm surge, heavy rain, flash flooding, tropical storm force winds and isolated tornadoes are possible late Thursday through Saturday. Coastal flooding could begin as early as Thursday.
WHO
The Red Cross, South Carolina Region has disaster experts and volunteers on stand-by for media interviews regarding Hurricane Ian: how to secure your home what to include in an emergency kit how the Red Cross of South Carolina is preparing for potential impacts within the state.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety advice on hurricanes and other emergencies. Download the app by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or by going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC