Hurricane Noel heading up East Coast
Red Cross urges public to prepare for damaging winds, flooding

Levittown, PA, November 2, 2007 - Hurricane Noel is expected to move up the East Coast as a tropical storm on Saturday, bringing strong winds and possible coastal flooding from New Jersey to Maine. While the storm’s track is uncertain, the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County urges residents to start preparing before the storm hits, and to monitor weather reports.

“We don’t know what path this storm will take,” says Steven Huizar, Director of Emergency Services. “But with strong winds and possible flooding, the Red Cross is preparing to respond if necessary. Everyone needs to make sure they have food and supplies in place, in case they lose electricity or have to leave their homes.”

The American Red Cross urges the public to take the following steps today:
Assemble a disaster supplies kit that includes:

  • First aid kit and essential medications

  • Canned food and can opener

  • At least three gallons of water per person

  • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags

  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries (no candles)

  • Special items for infants, 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 them back on).

Make an 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, or a shelter.

  • Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.

Be informed.

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

  • Heed the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.

What to bring to a shelter:

  • Prescriptions and emergency medicine

  • Extra clothes

  • Pillows and blankets

  • Hygiene supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, razor, etc.)

  • Important documents (driver’s license, social security card, insurance information, wills, deeds and birth and marriage certificates)

  • Battery-powered radio

  • Comfort items (books, magazines, etc.)

  • Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled

  • Families with children and infants should also bring special items such as diapers, formula and toys with them as well

As always, careful planning is the key to safety during and after the storm. The Red Cross has information on preparing for all types of emergencies and disasters. For more information contact the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter or go to www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected.  Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest U.S. supplier of blood and blood products. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

 

 

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