Hurricane Earl Approaches

Local Red Cross Issues Preparedness Tips

TINTON FALLS, September 2, 2010 – The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross is ready to respond to Hurricane Earl in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, preparing to open shelters and feed those affected by the storm if need be. Hurricane Earl is predicted to come close to the New Jersey coastline, bringing heavy rains and sustained winds. Labor Day weekend is particularly busy at the Jersey shore, and the Jersey Coast Chapter recommends several steps to become “Red Cross Ready,” in the wake of an emergency.

“We are making preparations for Earl, and we urge everyone to also get prepared. Being ready is your best protection against a storm like this,” said Leo Pratte, Regional Disaster Director for the Jersey Coast Chapter.

With September being “National Preparedness Month,” the Jersey Coast Chapter wants communities to start their own preparations. The Red Cross recommends three quick steps to take now to be prepared for emergencies such as Hurricane Earl - by building a kit, making a plan and being informed.

• Create and practice a Hurricane Plan: Planning and practicing an evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event. Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs, and make plans for your pets.

• Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a first aid kit, essential medications, foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration, manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

• Heed Warnings: Listen to radio and TV stations for updated information. A Hurricane WATCH means hurricane conditions could threaten within 36 hours. A Hurricane WARNING means hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.

• Prepare your Home: Secure anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture, trash cans, potted plants, etc.). Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have shutters, board up windows and doors with plywood. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
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“Along with becoming “Red Cross Ready,” homeowners should clear their backyards tonight in the event that we have some heavy winds approaching,” said Leo Pratte. Beachgoers also should be informed that Hurricane Earl is likely to cause powerful rip currents all along the coastline. The Red Cross advises anyone visiting beaches to swim only on lifeguard protected beaches and within designated swimming areas.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, contact the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross at (732) 493-9100 visit www.jerseycoast-redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.