Coastal Residents in Path of Hurricane Katrina Urged to Take Action Now

American Red Cross
Saturday, 27 August 2005

As deadly Hurricane Katrina aims for the U.S. Gulf coast, the American Red Cross echoes the calls for coastal residents to take action immediately to help keep them and their loved ones safe. By Monday, Katrina is forecast to become a Category 4 storm – a major hurricane with winds exceeding 131 mph, capable of causing widespread damage.

"Hurricane Katrina has significantly gained strength over the last 48 hours, and those in her path need to take action now to prepare for a second and potentially more deadly landfall," said Keith Robertory, national preparedness expert for the American Red Cross. "There will be significant danger to people living in areas at risk for flooding where Katrina makes landfall. Historically, many deaths associated with hurricanes are actually the result of inland flooding, so it is vital residents prepare and know what to do."

COASTAL RESIDENTS SHOULD TAKE THESE ACTIONS NOW:

• Make a plan and prepare to evacuate. Plan your evacuation route by using maps and identify alternative routes. Since the telephone system may go down, develop a family communication plan by designating one out-of-town contact that you can call and ask them to let your other loved ones know you are okay. If you have a vehicle, keep at least a half tank of fuel in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.


• Take your disaster supplies kit when evacuating. Your kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, battery-operated radio with extra batteries, prescription medications, bedding, first aid kit, and maps. Be sure to take official documents such as your driver's license, Social Security card, insurance policies, wills, deeds and birth and marriage certificates.


• Prepare your home for high winds. Bring lawn furniture trash cans, hanging plants, or anything else that can be picked up by the wind inside. Secure your home by closing the windows and doors and protect them by using hurricane shutters or installing pre-cut plywood.


• Pets should not be left behind, but understand that only service animals are permitted in shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets and bring extra food, water and supplies for them.


• Monitor the media reports. Watch TV, listen to AM/FM or NOAA weather radio and check the Internet often for official news, and evacuate when advised to do so.


• If time allows, call or e-mail your out-of-town contact to let them know where you are going and when you expect to get there. Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going. Check with neighbors who may need a ride or other assistance.


• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If your car stalls and you are caught on a road with flood water rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

IF YOU ARE NOT ADVISED TO EVACUATE:

• Stay indoors, away from windows. Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.


• If your electricity goes out, use flashlights in the dark and 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 unless you have a power transfer switch installed.

Residents in affected areas should monitor their local media for information and locations of American Red Cross evacuation shelters.

For more information, including a downloadable checklist of hurricane safety tips, visit www.redcross.org.

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 this 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