American Red Cross Urges Planning In Wake Of Storms
05/07/07
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
http://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
(Author: http://www.redcross.org/beredcrossready)
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