Are You Red Cross Ready?

Hurricane Season is here…

                                                        ─ Dianne Reed

                                                                                                               Public Relations Coordinator

                                                                                                               American Red Cross

                                                                                                               Collier County Chapter                              

It’s that time again.                                                           

If you haven’t done so already, you need to prepare for the 2007 hurricane season.

Like many people, you have probably not done all that is possible to prepare in the event of a hurricane.  You have put it off, thinking that when a storm sounds serious, you will have time to gather supplies, and get to safety.  Hurricanes are one of nature’s most serious threats.  Therefore, you need to have critical information to protect yourself, your family, and your property.  The American Red Cross Collier County Chapter offers these tips for getting ready. 

 

Plan Ahead

Discuss with your family what responsibilities each member of your household will have. If you are requested to evacuate, you may stay where you are, providing it is safe, go to a hotel or motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location, or go to a Red Cross shelter.  If you must evacuate, take your animals with you. 

What To Do Now

If a hurricane appears to be approaching your area, listen for weather updates.    Have your car ready with plenty of gas and oil and be sure it is properly maintained.  Put together your disaster supplies kit.  Board up or put storm shutters on windows.  Clear your yard of loose objects, bicycles, lawn furniture, trash cans, etc.  Secure your boat.  Super-chlorinate your pool water and cover pump and filtration systems and intakes. Turn off the water and electricity at the main valve, breakers or fuses.   Turn off propane gas tanks that serve individual appliances like a stove or grill.  Do not turn off natural gas unless local officials advise to do so.

If a hurricane should hit our coast, the American Red Cross provides the staff for the many shelters that are open in public schools.  For more information contact the American Red Cross Collier County Chapter at 239-596-6868.

 

Disaster Supplies Kit

·         Three day supply of non-perishable food.  Don’t forget a non-electric can-opener

·         Three day supply of water (one gallon of water per person, per day)

·         Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.

·         Flashlight and extra batteries

·         First aid kit and  first aid manual

·         Sanitation  and hygiene items

·         Matches

·         Whistle

·         Extra clothing and blankets

·         Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.

·         Photocopies of identification and credit cards

·         Cash & coins

·         Prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, hearing aid batteries.

·         Items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles, etc.

·         Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area.

Find out more about how to become a volunteer and help others through the American Red Cross Collier County Chapter at 239-596-6868.