HARRISBURG – Hurricane Sandy is bearing down on the East Coast and, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, this storm is likely to be a heavy rainmaker, with damaging winds, beginning this weekend and continuing until mid-week. It is likely to be historic in scope and magnitude, according to PEMA officials
“Coming at this time of the year, this storm brings extra concerns. Residents are asked to make sure storm drains are clear of the recently fallen leaves and other debris,” said Kathy Smyser, American Red Cross spokesperson. “Residents should get ready as well- tell your friends and family to stay vigilant and think about their storm readiness.”
The ARC is working with the PEMA and local emergency management to coordinate an appropriate response to Hurricane Sandy in the area. The ARC is ready to respond if needed locally or wherever the storm makes landfall. Volunteers are on stand-by and shelter equipment and materials are ready for wherever they are needed.
Hurricanes are strong storms that cause life and property threatening hazards such a flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. The ARC urges everyone to update their family evacuation plan, emergency preparedness kit and get better prepared for Hurricane Sandy. “Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane,” said Smyser.
Download the free Red Cross Hurricane App
The ARC Hurricane App puts lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane prone areas. This free app—available in English or Spanish—is for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. It gives users instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes.
The app also includes a number of features that allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and share information with others in their social networks who might also need it.
Other features of the app include:
· One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;
· Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;
· Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside;
· Locations of open ARC shelters;
· Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;
· Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
· Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
· Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
The Hurricane can be found in the iTunes or Google Play app stores by searching for the ARC. The Red Cross First Aid App helps people learn what to do in an emergency in case help is delayed. Download all of the preparedness apps at redcross.org/mobile-apps. People can go to redross.org for additional information and resources.
“In addition, by taking three basic preparedness actions you can become Red Cross Ready for hurricanes and other emergencies. The steps are 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed,” said Smyser. The ARC recommends the following preparedness actions:
Get or assemble an emergency preparedness kit:
A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:
· Water – one gallon per person, per day.
· Food – non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, and canned fruit. Make sure to include a manual can opener.
· A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
· A first aid kit.
· Prescription and non-prescription medication items. Include medical supplies like extra hearing aid batteries, syringes, etc.
· Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards.
· Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
· Extra cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
· Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
· One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
· Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowls).
Prepare a family evacuation plan
The ARC urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.
· Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered and why it is important to prepare for a disaster.
· Identify two meeting places; One right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
· Be sure to make advanced preparations for your pets. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in shelters. Contact hotels, motels, family members and animal shelters to see if they would allow pets in a disaster situation. Keep a contact list of “pet friendly” locations. If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you.
Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. During or after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance, especially if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your emergency contact person’s phone number and email address.
· Tell your family about the Safe and Well Web site accessible at all times via www.redcross.org. The Safe and Well Web site is an Internet-based tool that allows those directly affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster affected area are able to select and post standard “safe and well” messages. Concerned family members who know the person’s phone number (home, cell, or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who self-register.
· Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water and electricity at the main switches. Turn gas off only if instructed by local authorities. Remember, if the gas is shut-off, only a professional can turn it back on.
Plan your evacuation route. Use local maps and identify alternate evacuation routes from home, work and/or school. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home.
Be informed
· Find out what types of disaster are likely to occur in your area and how to prepare for each.
· Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.
Contact your ARC chapter for details about community disaster education presentations that may be arranged or are available in your workplace, school or community organization.
Get trained in CPR and first aid so you will know how to respond to emergencies in the event that help is delayed.
· If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. You may choose to evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time.
Know what to do if a hurricane WATCH is issued
· Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
· Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
· Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.
· If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
· Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
· Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired.
Know what to do if a hurricane WARNING is issued
· Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
· If in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities.
· Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
· If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
· Do not use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
· If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.
