American Red Cross: Hurricane Season Begins June 1; Still Time to Prepare; Make a Plan and Build a Kit before It's Too Late

5/28/2004

From: Ray Steen of the American Red Cross, 202-303-5551 or 202-439-0721 (cell); steenr@usa.redcross.org

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Hurricane season begins on Tuesday, and 60 percent of those most at-risk are unprepared, according to a national poll released by the American Red Cross. But the good news is there's still time to prepare.

"While most people are not prepared for hurricane season, there's still time to pull together a plan and a kit," said Joe Becker, Vice President of Response, American Red Cross. "Please take an hour out of your day to layout an emergency plan with your family and throw together a disaster supplies kit with everything you need. Preparing brings peace-of-mind."

In the past five years, communities from Texas to Connecticut have been devastated by Hurricanes Floyd, Isidore, Lili and Isabel.

-- Hurricane Floyd (September 1999) forced the largest peacetime evacuation in United States history. The Red Cross responded with $32.9 million in aid to victims from Florida to Connecticut.

-- Hurricane Lili and Tropical Storm Isidore (October 2002) prompted 6,000 Red Cross relief workers to respond by sheltering 20,820 evacuees and providing mental health counseling for 10,000 people in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.

-- Hurricane Isabel (September 2003) wreaked havoc in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, causing more than 51,000 people to seek refuge in 400 Red Cross shelters. More than 20,000 Red Cross disaster relief workers delivered 2.2 million meals and distributed more than 21,000 clean-up kits to those in need.

On a positive note, the survey indicates that coastal residents who do make preparations take the issue very seriously. Of those households with an evacuation plan, 84 percent have included their children in the disaster planning process. Additionally, 71 percent of families who have a person with a disability or health problem have special plans to take care of their needs - a significant increase from 50 percent in 2001.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends November 30. Expert hurricane predictor William Gray believes the Atlantic will spawn 14 "named" tropical storms this year, and that eight of them will grow into hurricanes.

"It's obvious how dangerous hurricanes can be," Becker said. "Protecting yourself and your family should be the highest priority."

As we encourage families to prepare themselves, we are also asking people to make an investment into the safety of their community by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This resource enables the Red Cross to be there to provide food, shelter, clothing and comfort to disaster victims. The Red Cross is able to offer emergency services immediately because of generous donors who give to its Disaster Relief Fund BEFORE hurricanes strike.

As communities along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts prepare for hurricane season, the Red Cross recommends the following safety steps and tips:

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

-- Gather emergency supplies including: emergency medications, nonperishable food, a non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least three gallons per day per person), a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, extra clothes, important documents, cash and credit cards, a first aid kit and other items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets

-- Store supplies in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container, such as a plastic tub with handles

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

-- Identify an evacuation route ahead of time; discuss with family members

-- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately

-- In case of evacuation to an American Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring the disaster supplies kit, medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets and other hygiene and comfort supplies

-- Make advance preparations for pets so you can bring them with you when you leave, but remember, due to health department regulations, pets aren't allowed in public shelters

Prepare for High Winds

-- Measure windows and obtain shutters or cut plywood to cover each one

-- Remove diseased and damaged tree limbs well before a storm strikes

-- Strengthen garage doors with vertical support beams made from 2X4s and "L" brackets. Get professional help if needed

Select Lowe's stores in 14 coastal markets are collaborating with local American Red Cross chapters to host Hurricane Preparedness Fairs throughout June and July. The fairs will include local emergency response organizations and vendors, and several also will include special appearances by hurricane readiness expert and founder of the Hurricane Intercept Research Team, Mark Sudduth. Residents also can pick up free copies of the Lowe's and American Red Cross Hurricane Readiness Guide and Map, available at coastal Lowe's stores beginning late May.

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 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 http://www.redcross.org