06-01-2005

PRESS CONTACT INFO

ANGIE MONCADA
Director of Communications
& Special Events

PHONE
(401) 831-7700 x101
E-MAIL
[email protected]

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RED CROSS REPORT

The "Red Cross Report" is a publication of the American Red Cross of Rhode Island. These newsletters are now available online in Portable Document Format (pdf) for quick viewing and printing. Click Here to read the latest.

Wednesday, June 1, 2005
HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS TODAY -
RED CROSS URGES LIFE-SAVING PREPAREDNESS STEPS

Hurricane season begins today, June 1, and with it the need to prepare for the destruction hurricanes can bring. Every year, coastal communities such as those here in the state of Rhode Island suffer the tragic loss of life and property because of hurricanes, which can devastate a region with destructive winds, heavy rains and flooding, storm surges and tornadoes.

According to American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter CEO Dan Samborn, "Taking a few moments to discuss some simple, common-sense preparedness steps with your family can save your life and the lives of the ones you love."

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another town, a motel and/or a shelter. Get a good map and be familiar with your community's evacuation routes. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. In case you have to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets and other hygiene and comfort supplies for all members of your family. Be sure to also make advance preparations for your pets, which aren't allowed in Red Cross shelters.
Assemble a Family Disaster Supplies Kit
Have emergency supplies set aside for all members of your household, including emergency medications, non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least three gallons per person), a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra clothes, important documents, cash and credit cards, a first aid kit and other special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets.
Prepare for High Winds
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through. Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors and unreinforced 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.

Contact the American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter for more tips on preparing for this year's hurricane season: TOLL FREE 1-800-842-1122 or 401-831-7700 or www.riredcross.org.

In 2004, Rhode Island volunteers brought life-saving services to victims of Florida's four hurricanes. Read more about them at www.riredcross.org/08-20-2004.htm. Gain the tools and know-how to become a volunteer in this 2005 hurricane season by enrolling in one of our emergency response courses today at www.riredcross.org/secure/course-emergencyresponse.htm.

The American Red Cross is chartered by Congress to provide disaster services. We are not a government agency and we do not receive government funding or funding from our national office. We rely solely on contributions from Rhode Islanders to fulfill our mission and your dollar stays here in RI to help your friends and neighbors in their greatest time of need.

© Copyright 2002-2005 American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
American Red Cross of Rhode Island • 105 Gano Street :: PO Box 2496 • Providence, RI 02906
Tel: (401) 831-7700 • TOLL FREE 1-800-842-1122 • Fax: (401) 831-0502

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