Hurricane Season Heats Up

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 19 Aug 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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With two storms swirling in the Atlantic Ocean, the American Red Cross issues a reminder for people who live in hurricane-prone areas to update their preparedness plans.

"Just this weekend Tropical Storm Claudette formed very quickly in the Gulf of Mexico, proof you don't always have a lot of time to get ready for a storm," said Joe Becker, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services. "If someone lives where these storms can cause problems, they need to get ready now."

All eyes are on Hurricane Bill, a Category One storm with sustained winds of 75 mph. According to the National Hurricane Center, Bill could become a major hurricane later this week, throwing wind and rough surf at the East Coast. Claudette, downgraded to a Tropical Depression, may drop three to six inches of rain across parts of Florida and Alabama today, heading into Mississippi tonight. Tropical Depression Ana could dump two to four inches of rain today on Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic.

The Red Cross offers steps people can take to make sure they're prepared:

-- Know the difference between a Hurricane Watch and Warning.

- If you are under a Hurricane Watch, hurricane conditions are a threat within 36 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.
- A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

-- Check your disaster supplies kit now. Gather basic items needed during an emergency and store them in a sturdy, sealable, easy-to-carry container.

-- Go over your emergency plan. Identify two meeting places, one near your home, and one outside your area in case you can't return home. Make plans for your pets. Select an out-of-area emergency contact person.

-- Be informed. Know how local officials will contact you. Listen to local radio, television or NOAA weather radio channels during the emergency and follow the guidance of your local officials.

-- Don't forget about the Red Cross Safe and Well website, an easy way to notify loved ones of your well-being. You can sign up on the website or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Friends and family can then search for your message by using your phone number or complete address.

You can help people affected by disasters, like the hurricanes and wildfires, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Source
American Red Cross

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