Community Corner

American Red Cross Gives Irene Advice

Here is information you need to deal with a strong storm.

The threat Hurricane Irene is posing for this weekend provides a very important reminder that we all need to be prepared for emergencies.

A hurricane can cause floods, which are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

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Stay safe: 

• Listen to area radio and television stations and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service.

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• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, 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. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

Keep supplies on hand:

• Water -- at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

• Food -- at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

• Flashlight

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Medications (a 7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)

• Multi-purpose tool

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Emergency blanket

• Map(s) of the area

Let your family know you’re safe. If your community experiences a flood, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

To learn more, click here.


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