CAMBRIDGE, MA (08/08/2008)(readMedia)-- As the American Red Cross monitors the track of tropical storms throughout the hurricane season, we urge everyone to take steps to prepare their families and homes for a disaster. "If a tropical storm or hurricane were to hit the New England area, it would have major impact on our region physically, emotionally and economically. The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay encourages residents to get a disaster supplies kit, get informed and be prepared," said Mass Bay Red Cross spokesperson Patrick Baldwin.

Prepare for high winds

Give yourself enough time before a storm to conduct a home hazard hunt and perimeter search, in which you inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or cause a fire.

• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs

• Install hurricane or high-wind shutters on your windows or cut plywood to cover windows, and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors

• Strengthen garage doors and un-reinforced masonry

• Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile

If a Hurricane Watch is issued:

The Red Cross strongly recommends that individuals and families take preventive measures to ensure their personal safety during a hurricane watch and before a warning is issued:

• Listen to media hurricane progress reports via battery-operated radio or television

• Get a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries

• Check disaster supplies kit, including food, water and clothing

• Fill vehicles with fuel

• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside

• Secure buildings by covering windows with storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.

• Remove outside antennas

• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly

• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home

If a Hurricane Warning is issued or officials indicate evacuation is necessary:

• Before you evacuate, consider registering with the Safe and Well Web site at www.redcross.org.

• If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding

• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve

• Bring a disaster supplies kit

• Take warm protective clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and prescription medicines

• Tell someone outside of your storm area where you are going

• Lock your home and leave immediately

• Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges

• If you see water, turn around and go another way

If local authorities have not advised you to evacuate:

• For residents of manufactured homes: check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities

• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors

• Do NOT use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light

• If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored

Something else to keep in mind is the value of neighbors during a difficult time. Working with neighbors can save lives. Know your neighbors' special skills and consider how you could help neighbors who are elderly or have disabilities. Make plans for child care in case parents cannot get home - that way, all of the children in your neighborhood can be safe.

At any time, everyone can take steps to "Be Red Cross Ready" for all types of disasters in three simple actions: 1) get a kit, 2) make a plan and 3) be informed.

GET A KIT

Gather enough emergency supplies to meet your needs if you have to evacuate or you are asked to stay at home. A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. 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. Your three-day disaster supplies kit should include:

• A three-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. Please remember that you want to replace stored water and food every six months

• A battery-powered or crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries

• A first aid kit, including prescription and non-prescription medicines

• Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards. Your original documents should be secured in a fire-safe locked box or safety deposit box.

• Extra long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy footwear

• One blanket or sleeping bag per person

• Emergency tools, including tools to turn off utilities

• A manual can opener

• An extra set of home and car keys

• Cash/Credit cards

• Special items for infants, elderly or family members with disabilities

• An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, extra batteries for hearing aids

MAKE A PLAN

The American Red Cross, the National Weather Service and the Department of Homeland Security urge each and every family to develop a family 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

• Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches, and how to use a fire extinguisher. Remember, if the gas is shut-off, only a professional can turn it back on

• Identify ahead of time where you would go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several different places - a friend's home outside of the affected area, a motel, or a shelter

• Be sure to make advanced safety preparations for your pets. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in shelters. Find motels that accept pets and keep their phone numbers handy. Contact your local humane society or veterinarian for suggestions

• Get a good map and be familiar with your community's evacuation routes.

• In case you have to evacuate, be sure to bring your disaster supplies kit including food, water, battery operated radio, flashlight, first aid kit, medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets, and other hygiene and comfort supplies, along with copies of essential papers and documents.

• Ask an out-of-area friend or family member to act as "family contact" for everyone to call in case of separation. It is often easier to call long distance after a disaster than to make local calls.

BE INFORMED

• Find out how you will get information from local officials during a disaster.

• Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions.

• 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.

For more information regarding how individuals and families can prepare for disasters visit www.bostonredcross.org or contact the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay at 617-274-5200.

About the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay:

Headquartered in Cambridge, ARCMB has facilities located in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, Peabody, Quincy, and Waltham that serve as local sites for community programs, volunteer recruitment, and disaster preparedness and response. ARCMB is also the Regional Chapter for Eastern Massachusetts with responsibility for oversight of three additional chapters serving Cape Cod and the Islands, Northeast Massachusetts, and the Merrimack Valley. In its capacity as the Regional Chapter for Eastern Massachusetts, ARCMB oversees services to 190 cities and towns with a population of over 4.4 million people.

Posted Friday August 08, 2008 at 04:54 pm by American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay