News
AMERICAN RED CROSS PREPARES FOR HURRICANE SEASON 2008
Jun 2, 2008
Fulfilling Our Mission: Monday, June 23rd (5pm to 8:30pm)
This basic, entry level course introduces potential disaster volunteers and members of other local agencies to the role of the Red Cross in the community’s actions in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.
Shelter Operations: Thursday, June 12th (5pm to 8:30pm); Thursday June 26th (5pm to 8:30 pm)
participants will learn Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster.
Emergency Response Vehicle, Ready, Set, Roll: Saturday June 28th (9am to 5pm)
This course trains volunteers to use an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and all related equipment. This basic level Disaster Services course prepares Red Cross employees and volunteers to operate an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and its equipment safely and effectively to meet feeding and other service needs of the people affected by a disaster.
(All classes will be held at the Chapter office, at 4514 Fernwood Rd. in Biloxi)
According to a National American Red Cross telephone survey conducted in August, 2007:
· 38% of coastal county residents report that they are more concerned about hurricanes today than they were prior to Katrina. These concerns have not lead to a substantial improvement in disaster preparedness.
· 47% of the households along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts have an evacuation plan (This is a 6% increase from 2004 data); while 70% of these residents have determined where they would go, 30% are still uncertain about where they would stay.
· Only four in ten households along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts have a disaster supply kit (This is no improvement from 2004 data).
“By taking three basic preparedness actions you can get “Red Cross Ready” for disasters and other emergencies 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed,” said Bob Beebe.
1) Get or assemble a disaster supplies kit:
The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home and to keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your kit should include:
· A three-five day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods, such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, canned fruit, juice boxes, etc.
· A manual can opener
· A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
· A first aid kit and reference guide
· Prescription and non-prescription medication items
· Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards
· Cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
· Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
· A change of clothes for everyone, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy footwear
· One blanket or sleeping bag per person
· Emergency tools, including tools to turn off utilities
· An extra set of home and car keys
· An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, extra batteries for hearing aids
· Pet supplies
2) Prepare a Personal Disaster and Evacuation Plan
The American Red Cross 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.
3) Be informed:
· Find out what types of disasters 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 local American Red Cross 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.
To find out more about the programs of the Red Cross or to become a volunteer visit www.redcross-msgc.org or call 228-896-4511.
