October 15, 2009 Wilmington, DE – As colder temperatures move into our area over the next few days, they bring inclement weather along as well.
Your local Red Cross has some safety tips to help you and your family Be Red Cross Ready for the approaching storms as well as other potential emergencies.
• Build a Kit: Store water and food for each family member along with a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, First Aid kit, Medications, copies of personal documents, etc. Also, consider if you need to store infant, medical or pet supplies.
• Make a Plan: Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies most likely to occur in places where you live, learn, work, and play and identify responsibilities for each family member. Plan where to go and what to do if you are separated from family during an emergency or if you need to evacuate the area.
• Be Informed: Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area and stay abreast of any impending weather changes such as this weekend’s storms. Stay tuned to local radio stations or NOAA Weather radio stations or channels. Remember: You are your first best defense in emergencies! Learn 1st Aid & CPR; take a free Disaster Education Class and learn more about how to protect yourself.
• Preparing for Floods: If a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, turn around and head another way. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, do not attempt to move through the water, rather turn around and head in another direction.
Red Cross assistance is a gift to the community, from the community. Red Cross services are made possible thanks to the generosity of our community, corporate partners and fundraising events such as our upcoming 5th Annual Black Tie Monopoly & Monte Carlo Night on Nov. 6, 2009 at the Christiana Hilton.
