Hurricane Earl may affect Connecticut and Southern New England this weekend. The American Red Cross is preparing in the event response is needed and is reminding Connecticut residents to take measures now to safely weather the storm.
“We are supporting American Red Cross readiness activities locally and nationally ahead of this storm,” said American Red Cross Connecticut Region CEO Dianne Auger. “Locally, we have begun to contact our volunteers to determine availability for any response and are reviewing our shelter locations and supplies. We are in contact with state and local government officials to make sure our readiness efforts are coordinated.”
Auger said the Red Cross has shelter locations identified across the state as part of its general readiness planning. “We don’t leave our assessments to the last minute; we identify potential shelter locations on an ongoing basis. They are chosen to be accessible and may vary depending on the hazards for which they are activated.” Auger said that the Red Cross also prepares for distribution of food or clean up supplies if needed. “We want to make sure that we have the capacity to respond to whatever needs are created by this storm.”
Auger urged the public to take a similar approach and to prepare ahead of time for any potential effects from Earl. “We don’t know exactly what this storm has in store for us, but everyone can take simple steps to lessen the risk and impact for themselves and their families.” She suggested that people make sure they have a flashlight, portable radio and fresh batteries for both on hand. “It’s also good to have some basic first aid supplies to handle minor injuries. And you should consider some nonperishable food and some extra water in the event you lose power or can’t leave your home for a few days.” Auger said the Red Cross recommends having enough food, water and basic supplies to support each member of your household for three days. “In a serious storm – winter or summer – it’s possible that emergency officials might not be able to reach you or you might not be able to travel for three days if roads are flooded, blocked by downed trees or other conditions prevent it. You should be able to care for yourself if needed.”
Some basic readiness tips from the Red Cross:
• Have batteries, a flashlight and a portable radio
• Have nonperishable food that does not need cooking – canned tuna, peanut butter, canned beans and other foods that provide protein and energy. Be sure to have a non-electric can opener handy as well.
• Bottled water – one gallon per person per day – for drinking and hygiene needs
• A sufficient supply of any maintenance medications that you need. Don’t get caught with unfilled prescriptions.
• A first aid kit to treat minor injuries
• If you have pets, the same rules apply – have sufficient food, water for your pets, as well as a sufficient supply of any medications they may need.
-more-
American Red Cross Preparing for Possible Hit from Hurricane Earl – Page 2
Auger said these items are things that can be kept on hand throughout the year to help people cope with storms or other emergencies. “Keeping – and refreshing – these supplies will help you year ‘round.”
Auger noted that these supplies can also be packed up if evacuation is needed. “If you’re in an area that is at regular risk for flooding or other evacuation situations, keep these items portable. They can help if you stay in a shelter, at a motel or hotel or with family or friends who may not have set aside enough supplies for unexpected guests.” Auger also reminded people to plan for evacuating pets. “Shelters will accept service animals, but you should plan to place a cherished pet with friends or family if needed, or find pet friendly hotels along any planned evacuation route. It’s always good to research these plans ahead of time to avoid a rush when you need to evacuate.”
Auger provided some basic tips to prepare around the house as well. “Ahead of the storm, perform a hazard check around your home and yard. Plan to put away lawn furniture and other items that might blow around and become damaged or cause damage.”
Auger said that the safety tips she mentioned and much more detailed information are available at www.ctredcross.org.
American Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge, a gift made possible by generous donations and the work of volunteers. For more information and to learn how you can help, call 1-877-CT Red Cross (1-877-287-3327) or visit www.ctredcross.org.
About the American Red Cross in Connecticut:
The American Red Cross in Connecticut helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, more than 8,000 volunteers and a small corps of employees helped victims of more than 500 local disasters; taught emergency preparedness and lifesaving skills to more than 223,000 Connecticut Residents; provided international tracing and message services to nearly 70 Connecticut residents seeking loved ones separated by disaster or war; and helped more than 1,100 Connecticut military families with emergency communications and other services. Nearly 100,000 Connecticut citizens gave blood through the Red Cross, which supplies blood and blood products to the State’s acute care hospitals and transfusing facilities. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.
