The American Red Cross Urges the Jersey Coast to Prepare Now for Hurricanes

TINTON FALLS, June 29, 2010 – Hurricane Alex is threatening the coastline along Texas and Mexico, according to weather experts, expecting that it will make land fall in Mexico on Wednesday evening. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the southern coast of Texas and the northern coast of Mexico. The American Red Cross is on alert, working on updated sheltering and feeding plans with local and state emergency officials. The question then is, “What does this have to do with residents of Monmouth and Ocean County?”

The Red Cross is always summoned when the disaster occurs, but people do not realize the importance of being prepared. With hurricane season under way, it is crucial that our community understands the importance of being informed about Red Cross preparedness. Your Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross urges residents along the Jersey Coast to prepare now for hurricanes.

Last week, Emergency Services Directors, CEO’s and Disaster Coordinators from tri-state area Red Cross Chapters gathered together for the 2010 Hurricane Conference at Jersey Coast Chapter headquarters in Tinton Falls, NJ. “Most people look to the Red Cross after a disaster and we really are the best kept secret,” said Leo Pratte, Chief Disaster & Logistics Officer. Attendees of the Hurricane Conference discussed how the tri-state area Red Cross Chapters can efficiently respond during the threat of a hurricane hitting our shores.

Other than keeping your fingers crossed, the Red Cross has several suggestions in the case a disaster was to happen in our own backyard. Here are several preparedness tips:

• 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 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.

For more information on hurricane preparedness or to make a donation to the Jersey Coast Chapter, contact us at 732-493-9100 or visit www.jerseycoast-redcross.org.