As Tropical Storm Bill Heads For Gulf, Coastal And Inland States Urged To Prepare For Heavy Rains, Flooding

American Red Cross
Monday, 30 June 2003

Gulf Coast residents are urged to enact their disaster safety plans as Tropical Storm Bill, the second storm of the Atlantic and Gulf hurricane season, is expected to make landfall today.

Bill may or may not reach full hurricane status, but the real danger is from heavy rains that tropical storms bring to coastal areas and often to states far inland. Communities in already-saturated areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, along with states east and north including the mid-south and Appalachian regions, are at risk of severe flooding as remnants of the storm make their way across land. Additionally, residents are urged to prepare for tornadoes that are associated with this kind of severe weather.

Everyone in the storm's path should prepare now by making sure their evacuation plan is up-to-date, ensuring their disaster supplies kit is ready and taking steps to reduce potential damage to their homes.

The Red Cross toll-free nationwide information hotline, 1-866-GET-INFO, can give callers up-to-date shelter locations and evacuation guidelines; information on how to get Red Cross disaster help; tips on flood preparedness; and ways to reduce potential damage to homes. Additionally, those trying to locate family in affected areas can call the Red Cross hotline to check on the welfare of loved ones.

"While many people might not consider a tropical storm as serious as a hurricane, the reality is that tropical storms can be destructive and deadly because of heavy rains, flooding and tornadoes," said Terry Sicilia, executive vice president, American Red Cross Disaster Services. "In fact, on the list of the costliest disasters in Red Cross history, tropical storms make up three of the top 15 disaster relief responses."

Sicilia advised residents in coastal and inland states to remember the lessons learned from Tropical Storm Isidore, which hit the Louisiana coast last year in October, and Tropical Storm Allison, which struck Houston in 2001. With winds of 65 mph and more than 20 inches of rain, Tropical Storm Isidore caused widespread destruction along the coast and inland. Two years ago, record-setting rainfall from Tropical Storm Allison flooded over 40,000 homes and killed more than 40 people during a 12-day rampage through seven states from Texas to New England. Allison ranks as the eighth most expensive Red Cross disaster response at $31 million.

"It's vital that people make their disaster preparations now," Sicilia said. "It's also crucial that the Red Cross has the funds to provide immediate help. We can only do that if we have a healthy balance in the Disaster Relief Fund, and so we are appealing to the public to help us by making a financial donation."

Currently, the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund has a cash balance of only $3.6 million – a dangerously low level heading into hurricane season. One storm could wipe out the balance completely. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or online at www.redcross.org.

Detailed information on flood, tornado and hurricane preparedness is available at www.redcross.org. Families are urged to share the following safety tips with their loved ones:

Flood Preparedness

Listen to local radio or television reports. If advised to leave, do so right away.

Check the contents of your disaster supplies kit: first aid kit and essential medications, battery-powered radio and flashlight extra batteries, can opener and canned food and water for each family member.

Turn off the utilities in your home only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. Do not turn off gas service unless advised to do so.

Identify several places your family can go if told to evacuate, such as a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter. Get a map and plan alternate routes.

Be alert to signs of flash flooding. Be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. If you think flooding has already started, evacuate immediately.

In case you have to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring essential medications, identification, extra clothing, pillows and blankets, other hygiene and comfort supplies for all members of your family.

Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades; they are there for your safety.

ONLY if you have time, carry things that can be water-damaged to higher floors.

Determine in advance what is most important to you and your family and what is most easily moved, including heirlooms, computers, toys, TVs and other portable appliances.

If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it and get to higher ground. Do not drive in floodwaters.

Tornado Preparedness

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: first aid kit and essential medications, battery-powered radio and flashlight extra batteries, can opener and canned food and water for each family member.

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan:

Pick a place where family members can gather, away from windows. It could be a basement or a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this area uncluttered.

If you are in a high-rise building and don't have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Share your plan with all family members and practice twice a year.

Listen for storm warnings on your local TV and radio stations and follow advisories.

If outside, try to get inside a sturdy building. If a building is not available, crouch in a ditch or low-lying area that is not subject to flooding.

If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head to safety (as above). Contrary to folklore, it is not safe to get underneath a highway overpass.

All 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 other disasters across the country each year 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 those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW 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 secure online credit card donations by visiting https://www.redcross.org//donate/donation-form.asp.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org

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