Hurricane Irene is now a category 3 storm and could affect a large swath of the East Coast later this week with wind and potential flooding. American Red Cross chapters from Florida to Maine are getting ready. Irene is the first major hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Trained Red Cross disaster relief workers are being mobilized to prepare shelters and relief supplies for a full East Coast response.
Dozens of mobile feeding vehicles and trucks equipped with communications technology are already moving towards North Carolina and Virginia where Irene is predicted to make the first landfall.
Just as the Red Cross is preparing for Hurricane Irene, people along the coast need to get ready too. Residents along the coast should take the threat of Irene seriously, finalize their hurricane plans and update their emergency supply kits.
The Red Cross recommends three quick steps to take now to be prepared for hurricanes and other emergencies – build a kit, make a plan and be informed.
Kits should contain a three-day supply of water for each person, along with food that doesn’t require refrigeration, flashlights, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit. A full list of suggested items and more hurricane tips are available on redcross.org.
Posted by amrecro 
