Last year, extreme weather events created the greatest number of billion-dollar disasters to impact the U.S. in a single year, including a relentless line of hurricanes that battered the mainland Gulf Coast in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. With forecasters predicting another above-average year, the American Red Cross is preparing to respond and urging everyone to plan now for possible dangerous storms this year. 

“The major weather events of last year, compounded by the pandemic, created natural disaster fatigue, which can impact how people might approach this season,” said Eric Corliss, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Preparing is even more critical this year, so it’s important to try to hit the reset button and focus on the things you can do - and can control - like being ready when the time comes.”

How We Prepare The Red Cross works year-round to make sure we’re ready for disasters of all sizes. These efforts include a focus on people, partnerships and resources.

• Having a trained and available workforce is critical to making sure we can provide disaster relief at a moment’s notice. We never stop recruiting new volunteers because the Territory is particularly vulnerable to storms. 

• Coordinating with Territory officials on emergency plans, as well as facilitating and growing other community partnerships, helps us maintain a strong network of services.

• Maintaining a nationwide network of resources like a fleet of emergency response vehicles, warehouses with emergency relief supplies and technology to support large-scale relief operations.

How Families Can Prepare Getting prepared may sound difficult or time consuming but, with a little help from the Red Cross, it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Build or replenish an emergency kit. Include a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant and pets if applicable, 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. Because of the pandemic, include a mask for everyone in your household. If you already have a disaster kit, now is the time make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.
   
2. 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. Coordinate your plan with your community’s emergency plans. If you already have an emergency plan, update it and review with family members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.
   
3. Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. Download the free Red Cross Emergency app to help keep you and your loved ones safe with real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety advice on hurricanes and other emergencies. Red Cross preparedness programs are available virtually for both adults and youth. Visit redcross.org/PrepareFlorida to find a program.
   
   

COVID-19 SAFETY Ensuring people have a safe place to stay during a disaster is a critical part of the Red Cross mission, but how we support sheltering efforts may be different in each community depending on local emergency plans and the scale of the disaster. This year, we will prioritize opening safe group shelters and will keep appropriate precautions in place to protect our workforce and the people we serve. In some communities, hotels may be more appropriate if the risk of COVID-19 is particularly high. As we have throughout the pandemic, we’ll continue to follow the safety guidance of the CDC and OSHA.  

The American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 19 Florida counties through five chapters: Florida’s Space Coast (Daytona Beach), Greater Orlando, Mid-Florida (Winter Haven), Southwest Florida (Sarasota) and Tampa Bay; and the Virgin Islands territories of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, visit redcross.org. Also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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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