American Red Cross Urges Planning in Wake of Storms

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, April 25, 2007 — As the nation continues to grapple with severe weather conditions throughout the High Plains and into the south, the American Red Cross is asking the public to immediately prepare for the potential increase in storm activity.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning for possibly another line of severe thunderstorms, which could unexpectedly develop into tornado activity. In the wake of this latest warning the Red Cross is issuing the following guidelines for storm preparation:

• Make a plan for safe shelter – It is important to know the safest locations to take cover from a storm at home, work and school. Locate a basement, center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor where everyone should gather. The area should be windowless and free of objects that can become projectiles during high winds. If you are in a high-rise building there may not be time to reach a lower floor before the storm hits. Head to the center of the building.
• Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit – Kits should contain a first aid kit and essential medications; three-day supply of canned or non-perishable food and manual can opener; at least three gallons of water per person; flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries; and other emergency items for the whole family, including pets. Prepare a personal size kit to keep at work and in the car. For more information on what to include in an Emergency Preparedness Kit, log on to the Get Prepared section of the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.
• Stay Informed of Warnings – Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. Check with your local emergency management office to see if email and cell phone weather alerts are available in your area. A tornado WATCH means there is the possibility of tornado activity in your area. When a tornado WARNING is issued, immediately head to your planned safe shelter. If you are outside, hurry to a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.

The best way to stay protected against dangerous weather is to prepare and plan well before a storm hits. The Red Cross has information on preparing for all types of emergencies and disasters, including the Be Red Cross Ready online educational presentation at www.redcross.org/beredcrossready and the Safe and Well Web site, accessible from www.redcross.org. Safe and Well allows disaster victims to post standard messages letting family and friends know of their safety and how to contact them. For more information contact your local Red Cross chapter.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.