Hurricane Preparedness: Be Red Cross Ready

Much of the worry of hurricane season can be eliminated by advance preparation. With hurricane season running from June 1 through November 30 now is the perfect time to be Red Cross Ready. These three easy steps should provide you with the necessary information to create a preparedness plan for you and your family.

1. MAKE A PLAN:

Meet with your family and friends and others in your support network to explain your concerns and work with them as a team to prepare.
Have each family member carry contact information in their wallet.
Choose an out of town/state contact person. After a disaster it is often easier to make a long distance call than a local call from a disaster area.
learn about the emergency plans and procedures that exist in your community. Know about the City's evacuation plan. Orleans Parish residents who do not have evacuation transportation of their own or through friends or family should plan early by calling 311 to register with the City Assisted Evacuation Plan. For more information residents can dial 311, or 1-877-286-6431, or 1-800-981-NOLA(6652) for the hearing impaired. People outside of Orleans Parish should call their parish Office of Emergency Preparedness to learn about any community assisted evacuation services that may be available.
Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a shelter.

2. BUILD A KIT:

Have a disaster supply kit packed and ready and in one place before a disaster threatens. Label all items with your name, address and phone number and remember to keep your kit up to date:

Items to include:

Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
Weather radio
First Aid kit
Prescription medications in their original bottles (enough for 7-10 days) and copies of all prescriptions.
Eyeglasses (with copy of prescription)
Water (at least one gallon per person per day is recommended; more is better)
Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking.
Food for family members with special dietary needs.
Items that infants and elderly household members may require (such as formula, diapers, baby food)
Medical equipment and devices such as dentures, crutches, prosthetics, etc.
Change of clothes for each member of the family for at least three (3) days.
Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
Checkbook, cash and credit cards
Map of the area.
Important papers such as: driver's license or personal identification, social security card, proof of residence (deed or lease), insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates, stock, bonds and other negotiable certificates, will, deed and copies of recent tax return.
Bug spray

3. STAY INFORMED:

Know how local authorities will warn of pending disaster and how they will provide information before, during and after the disaster.
Follow the local news. The American Red Cross, Southeast Louisiana Chapter will release information on Red Cross operations to all local news stations, WWL -TV, WSDU, FOX 8 and WNOE ABC26, local radio stations WWL 870 AM and 101.9 FM, and on this website www.arcno.org
When your mayor or parish president calls for an evacuation, leave.

Information Sheets

Please note that the PDF files below require Adobe Reader and should be printed on legal size paper (8.5” x 14”). Download Adobe Reader for free here.

Hurricane Safety:	(English pdf \| Spanish pdf \| Vietnamese pdf)
Returning Home after a Hurricane or Flood:	(English pdf \| Spanish pdf \| Vietnamese pdf)
Hurricanes and the Oil Spill in the Gulf:	(English pdf \| Spanish pdf \| Vietnamese pdf)

What is "Shelter-in-Place"?

"Shelter-in-place" means to take immediate shelter where you are—at home, work, school, or in between. It is important to listen to TV or radio to understand whether the authorities wish you to merely remain indoors or to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family.

Choose a room in advance for your shelter. The best room is one with as few windows and doors as possible. A large room, preferably with a water supply, is desirable—something like a master bedroom that is connected to a bathroom.

What to do when an evacuation is ordered:

If you need to evacuate:

Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes
Take your disaster supply kit
Lock your home
Use evacuation routes designated by local officials.

If you need to use public shelters:

The American Red Cross will open shelters if a disaster affects a large number of people or if the emergency is expected to last for several days.

Know when to go to a shelter: If your area is without electrical power, or flood water is rising, if your home has been severely damaged or if local officials tell you to evacuate.
Know what to expect at a Red Cross Shelter: All Red Cross emergency services are provided free of charge and include: food, temporary and basic first aid.
Listen to the radio or call 211 for shelter information during an evacuation.

Sources of Online Information for the 2010 Hurricane Season

RED CROSS SOURCES:

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

American Red Cross Weather Page

Prepare.org: Contains information and checklists for preparing for emergencies. Information is in multiple languages and addresses people who may have special needs, including those with disabilities and seniors, and people with pets.

LOUISIANA SOURCES:

Louisiana Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Homepage: http://getagameplan.org/

Louisiana Disaster Information Homepage

Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness

New Orleans/Baton Rouge National Weather Service Page

Southeast Louisiana Citizen Awareness & Disaster Evacuation Guide: Multiple language translations of contra-flow instructions are also available at this web page as separate electronic documents.