Ida now a hurricane and expected to enter Gulf of Mexico this weekend
Hurricane season does not end until November 30, and many residents are surprised to see a hurricane expected to enter the Gulf this weekend and so late in the year. Hurricane Ida is a simple reminder to never let your guard down and to continue preparedness measures at home, school and in the workplace. The Red Cross encourages individuals to take a free online tutorial called Be Red Cross Ready, which is available at www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.
The tutorial shows visitors exactly how to complete each of the three steps: get a kit, make a plan, and be informed. The American Red Cross recommends:
• Families assemble or buy a disaster kit containing at least three days of supplies in an easy–to–
carry container, like a backpack. It’s also important to check that stock every six months and
replace expired items.
• As part of your family plan, each person should know how to reach family members and where to
meet if they can’t go home.
• Families should learn about what types of disasters or emergencies are most likely to occur
where they live, work and play, and take first aid and CPR courses—a vital component of disaster
preparedness.
“Louisiana is no stranger to hurricanes, but we haven’t seen a storm this late in the season in a very long time,” says Robyn Cadwallader, response director for the Louisiana Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. “November is often the start of our highest numbers for the winter with home fires, the chapter’s most common disaster. We will respond to hurricanes and home fires to help our neighbors in need.”
Be Red Cross Ready products, like American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kits and the American Red Cross Emergency Radio by Eton are convenient ways for families to get prepared for a potential disaster and make great holiday gifts. To order, call the Red Cross at (225) 291-4533.
The Louisiana Capital Area Chapter responded to 340 incidents last year, most were home fires but also included hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Get prepared today. To learn how you can help your neighbors in need by volunteering your time or making a financial contribution, log on to www.batonrouge.redcross.org or call (225) 291-4533.
