|
|
Mission:
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers
and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles
of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims
of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to
emergencies.
click here
for Red Cross Ready Resolution Tips for 2008.
Do you receive our semi-annual
newsletter? If you'd like to be on the mailing list, just request it by
letter, phone, or email, using the contact information to the left.
Read
about the Golf
Tournament
Friday, July 11, 2008
Online
training is now available through
the Red Cross website:
DONATE
NOW:
IT'S TORNADO
SEASON!
Prepare a Home Tornado Plan
- 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.
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.)
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
- Listen to your local radio and TV stations for
updated storm information.
- Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
- A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in
your area.
- A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been
sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
- Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or
parish.
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 outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby
sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
- If you are in a car or mobile home, get out
immediately and head for safety (as above).
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.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can
Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:
Materials
for Children:
- "Disaster
Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or Spanish)
for children ages 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video
and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.
- "After the Tornado" Coloring Book (ARC 2205, English,
or ARC 2205S, Spanish)
To get copies of American Red Cross Community Disaster Education
materials, contact your local Red Cross chapter.
And remember . . . when a
tornado, flood, earthquake, fire, or other emergency happens in your
community, you can count on your local American Red
Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your
Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of
your time, money, and blood. For more information, please contact your
local American
Red Cross chapter or emergency management office.
|
