SOUTH CAROLINA Sept. 26, 2024— For the third time in just over a year, the American Red Cross is rapidly mobilizing volunteers and relief supplies to respond, as another major hurricane bears down on communities in the Florida Panhandle and moves across the Southeast, dumping torrential rains on Georgia and the Carolinas.  

Helene is expected to be one of the fastest intensifying hurricanes on record which could make landfall this evening with heavy rains, strong winds and potential tornadoes expected throughout South Carolina. The Red Cross of South Carolina is preparing for impacts by mobilizing volunteer teams, positioning relief supplies, and coordinating with state and local emergency management.  

Additionally, the Red Cross of South Carolina has deployed 15 volunteers from the state to assist with sheltering and relief efforts in Florida where up to a foot of rain and 15’ storm surge is expected along the coast and Big Bend.  

The Red Cross is ready to respond and urges South Carolinians to get ready now and prepare for potential downed trees, heavy rains, gusty winds, and prolonged power outages. 

                                                                              MEDIA RESOURCES: 

**Spokespeople are available statewide to share preparedness tips and discuss Red Cross readiness. Contact Mandy McMahon to schedule** 

Red Cross prepares for Hurricane Helene b-roll: https://vimeo.com/1012944705/aac255cb09?share=copy  

                                                                       HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS 

Three simple steps can help to keep your family safe during disasters — get a kit, make a plan and stay informed. 

• First, build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food; a flashlight; and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. Don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. 

• Next, plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and need to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Remember to include young children, older adults and pets in your plans. 

• Finally, find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster; and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. 

• Visit redcross.org/prepare for more information or download the free Red Cross Emergency app, which also provides real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross disaster shelter locations and more. 

• Plan to shelter safely: 

• Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay.  

• If sheltering in place, the best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not likely to flood.  

• Plan ahead if you will need help leaving or use public transportation. If you are in an area that is likely to flood, designate a location on higher ground that you can move to before floodwaters reach you. 

• Mobile/manufactured/trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) cannot provide safe shelter from tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds. designated safe shelter for high winds.  

• In case of power outage: 

• Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for several days.  

• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires. They can electrocute you. 

• In case of high winds and heavy rains:  

• To prepare for heavy rain, clean out drains, gutters and downspouts.   

• Secure items outside, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, that could be picked up by high winds and hurt someone. 

• Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks. 

• Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home.  

• In case of flooding: 

• During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Don’t return home until officials say its safe.  

• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Turn around, don’t drown!  

• 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.  

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 social media.