Flooding Comes Early Red Cross gives tips for staying safe during floods

[Levittown, PA, February 6, 2008] – With unseasonably warm weather and heavy rains, there are currently flood watches and warnings for parts of the Northeast. Some areas are already experiencing minor flooding, with people being evacuated from their homes.

The American Red Cross of Lower Bucks County encourages the public to stay informed about flooding in their area, and to take precautions before flooding occurs.

How to prepare for flooding:

• ·         MAKE A PLAN so you know where to go if you need to evacuate. Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your loved ones by choosing an out-of-town contact that each person can contact should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well web site, accessible through www.redcross.org.
• ·         STAY INFORMED. Know what to do if flooding occurs
• ·         Be ready with an EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT, which includes:
• o        First aid kit and essential medications.
• o        Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• o        Canned food and can opener.
• o        Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).
• o        Family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.
 

When a Flood WATCH is issued – Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a Flood WARNING is issued – Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING is issued – or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly! Move to higher ground. Do not drive around barricades. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. If you experience flooding and need help, call your local authorities immediately. 

The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter is where people mobilize to help their neighbors prepare for, prevent, and respond to life’s emergencies.  Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter is dedicated to saving and improving lives.  Led by over 1,300 volunteers, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to over 700 disaster victims, trains almost 18,000 people in lifesaving skills, exchanges more than one hundred emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families, and collects nearly 12,000 pints of blood for local hospitals.  The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter also has the county’s only 24-hour homeless shelter that serves around 400 adults and children each year.  The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the area and also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts at locations worldwide.