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05.06.2009 Red Cross offers safety tips for severe weather

After storms caused power outages and displaced residents from their homes, the Red Cross is taking steps to ensure our communities are prepared for severe weather.

The Greater Carolinas Chapter opened a shelter Tuesday night in Charlotte and is prepared to do the same should flooding force people from their homes.

The following are Red Cross safety tips for severe weather:

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing


  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Canned food and can opener.
  • At least three gallons of water per person.
  • Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

    To prepare for a flood:

  • Know your area’s flood risk--if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter at 704.378.4620, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
  • Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
    Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .
  • Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
  • Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
  • Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
  • Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

    When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

  • Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
  • Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
  • If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

    In the event of a tornado, Prepare a Home Tornado Plan
    Power Outage Checklist

  • Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
  • If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

    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 caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter, or sturdy building. If you cannot get to shelter, a recent study* suggests doing the following:
  • Get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path.
  • If strong winds and flying debris occur while you are driving, pull over and park, keeping seat belts on and the engine running. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
  • If you are unable to get to a building or vehicle, as a last resort, lie in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.

    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.

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    All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. To make a donation or find out more about the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross, call (704) 378.4620 or visit http://www.redcrosshelps.org.