Press Release: Red Cross Provides Comfort for Those Affected By Severe Weather

Red Cross Provides Comfort for Those Affected By Severe Weather

MOBILE, Ala., March 9, 2011 – The American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter is on the scene in Silverhill, Alabama to help those affected by the thunderstorm and possible tornados. We will be meeting with the families affected and will assist them with their immediate emergency needs. Red Cross emergency assistance can include food, clothing, shelter, emotional support, and referrals; the amount of assistance given is determined by a caseworker who meets with each family to assess their immediate emergency needs and provides assistance accordingly. The Red Cross is also providing canteen services to the victims and first responders working at the scene.

“In the days to come, the Red Cross will be coordinating with emergency officials and local community partners to help residents impacted by the storms get back on their feet,” said Leisle Mims, Executive Director of the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter.

The Red Cross offers the following tips for those in the affected area to stay safer:

Avoid driving on flooded roads.

Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damages.

If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.

If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.

Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Avoid using candles. If you must use candles take extreme care. Keep candles away from any combustible materials. Place candles out of reach of children or pets. Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Candles lit and left unattended lead to a large number of single family fires and fire deaths.

Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.

The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American people to fulfill our mission. People can help those affected by severe weather and other emergencies by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter by calling (251) 544-6100 or mailing to P.O. Box 1764, Mobile, AL 36633. For more information about your local American Red Cross, go to http://www.redcrossalcoast.org.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 at 10:09 PM and is filed under Press Release, Spring Floods 2011, Spring Tornadoes 2011. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.