Red Cross Shelters Open As Hurricane Charley Braces For Landfall

American Red Cross
Friday, 13 August 2004

With Hurricane Charley ready to strike Florida's west coast, officials are strongly urging almost two million people to evacuate. The American Red Cross has set up shelters in safe locations throughout the hurricane strike area, and is ready to handle the influx of people that are leaving their homes. Florida officials say this is the largest evacuation operation in the state's history.

Along with the impending hurricane comes the possibility of flooding, power outages and tornadoes. The Red Cross urges residents to listen to a battery operated radio or television for official instructions and to take the following precautions:

Flooding:

Flood Safety

• Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc., can become filled with water.


• If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there. Move away from dangerous flood waters.


• If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

What to do if you are driving during a flood

• Avoid already flooded areas, and areas subject to sudden flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. Rapidly rising water may stall the engine, engulf the vehicle and its occupants, and sweep them away. Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
• If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around and find another route. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. If your route is blocked by flood waters or barricades, find another route. Barricades are put up by local officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving around them can be a serious risk.
• If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water or the engine stalls, and if you can safely get out, abandon your vehicle immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles. When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car. The lateral force of a foot of water moving at 10 miles per hour is about 500 pounds on the average automobile. The greatest effect is buoyancy--for every foot that water rises up the side of a car, it displaces 1,500 pounds of the car's weight. So, two feet of water moving at 10 miles per hour will float virtually any car. Many persons have been swept away by flood waters upon leaving their vehicles, which are later found without much damage. Use caution when abandoning your vehicle, and look for an opportunity to move away quickly and safely to higher ground.

Power Outages:

Top safety tips for a power outage

• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
• Leave one light on so you know when the power comes back on.
• Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information – only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
• Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.

How can I prepare before a power outage happens?

• Assemble essential supplies, including: flashlight, batteries, portable radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food.
• Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.
• If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one for expansion.
• If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.

Tornadoes:

When a tornado WATCH is issued...

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a tornado WARNING is issued...

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of 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 (as above).

After the Tornado Passes...

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
• Do not use candles at any time.

People in Hurricane Charley's pathway are encouraged to call 866-GET-INFO to get information on shelter locations, for preparedness information, and to get assistance. Please note that shelters are not equipped to handle family pets. Please contact your local humane society or make some alternate arrangements with those outside of the evacuation area.

For more information regarding tropical storm and hurricane preparedness information, please visit more of our disaster readiness online resources at www.redcross.org, contact your local Red Cross chapter, or call the toll-free American Red Cross hotline 1-866-GET-INFO.

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 Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley and 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 a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

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