The American Red Cross wants you to stay safe and be weather-ready when severe weather hits. Below is from Nancy Malone of the public affairs director of the American Red Cross, Louisiana Region:
“Our hearts go out to neighbors, family and friends in Mississippi who were affected by last night’s tornado that killed at least four. Our Red Cross colleagues are providing shelter and support for residents there. As we anticipate another round of severe weather in Louisiana, we want to ensure our neighbors are as prepared as possible, especially during the overnight hours. Please continue to help us share action steps residents can take now. The Louisiana Red Cross is ready to respond, with volunteers on standby and supplies available.” – Nancy Malone
The American Red Cross urges residents across Louisiana to make sure households are prepared for another round of possible severe weather including rain, strong winds and possible overnight tornados.
“Our Louisiana Red Cross has prepared response teams and resources, as well as coordinated with officials and shared our readiness,” said Joshua Joachim, chief executive of the Louisiana Red Cross. “And we want you to take action now for additional severe weather, including staying informed even through overnight hours of the latest weather alerts.”
The Red Cross recommends: Make an emergency plan with a designated safe place (away from windows/glass doors) on the lowest level of the structure (mobile homes are never safe during high wind events). Pack a kit of essential supplies like medicines, flashlights, chargers, family and emergency contact info (written down), and items for those with special needs. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile. Remain on alert, especially through overnight hours, to respond to warnings of imminent danger via weather radios and media.
Watch for tornado danger signs, including dark, often greenish clouds (a phenomenon caused by hail), a wall cloud (an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm), cloud of debris, large hail, funnel cloud (a visible rotating extension of the cloud base), and a roaring noise.
“If a tornado is threatening your area, listen for alerts and warnings, grab your emergency preparedness kit and head to your designated safe area,” Joachim added. “Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.”
IF A TORNADO IS THREATENING
- Go to a safe room, or a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Mobile homes or trailers are not safe during tornadoes or other severe weather. Do not seek shelter in a hallway or bathroom of a mobile home. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately. Use your seat belt if driving. Do not wait until you see a tornado.
- If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a sturdy building or quickly walk to a shelter. Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle up and drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
- If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park. As a last resort: Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP
The Red Cross emergency app includes a high-pitched siren and warning alert that signals when a tornado warning has been issued, as well as an all-clear alert that lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled. The app also includes tips on how assemble an emergency kit for your family in the event of power outage or evacuation, an “I’m Safe” button to let loved ones know you are okay, and a map updated in real-time with the locations of Red Cross shelters. The app includes a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.
In an emergency, letting your loved ones know you are safe can bring them great peace of mind. The Red Cross can help you stay in touch with loved ones after a disaster. Red Cross mobile apps feature an “I’m Safe” button that allows users to post a message to their social accounts, letting friends and family know they are out of harm’s way.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The American Red Cross of Louisiana is fortunate to have volunteers who are trained, ready and willing to support response in our communities. We appreciate the individuals and community groups who are stand ready to help and encourage others to register to become new volunteers to help. Learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer.
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.
Help people affected by disasters like this severe weather and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visitredcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter.