Red Cross Urges People to Get Prepared As Hurricane Joaquin Nears U.S.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Heavy rains and flooding are threatening communities in the Mid-Atlantic even before Hurricane Joaquin is forecast to approach the U.S. late this weekend. The American Red Cross is preparing to respond in multiple states and is urging people in the path of the storm to make sure they are fully prepared as well.

"People living in communities threatened by these storms should keep informed about weather conditions and get prepared now," said Richard Reed, senior vice president, Disaster Cycle Services for the Red Cross. "The Red Cross is getting ready in states all along the East Coast and we urge people in the region to take this time to get ready too."

Red Cross workers from the Carolinas to New York are mobilizing trained volunteers, supplies and equipment. Red Cross response vehicles are on alert and volunteers are ready to open shelters if needed. The Red Cross is also working in close collaboration with government officials and community partners to coordinate potential response efforts.

STEPS TO TAKE NOW

People can download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of hurricanes and flooding, as well as locations of shelters. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. Parents can also download the Red Cross Monster Guard App for a fun way to teach children what to do in case of a flood or a hurricane.

SAFETY STEPS

1. Listen to local weather advisories and stay informed about the storm.
2. Build an emergency kit or update an existing one. Information about what to include is available here.
3. Plan now for what members of the household will do in an emergency. Include ways to contact one another and two places to meet – one near the home and one outside the neighborhood. Full details here.
4. Fill your vehicle's gas tank and get some extra cash.
5. If the neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary. More information on flood safety is available here.

HOW TO HELP

We need the continued support of the public to help people affected by disasters. In addition to Hurricane Joaquin, the Red Cross is still helping those impacted by the wildfires in California. People can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to support disasters big and small. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 26902, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-6902.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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SOURCE American Red Cross