Tropical Storm Fay Not Over Yet; Prepare Now

Another Landfall on the Way; Flooding Hassles Thousands, American Red Cross Responds.

WASHINGTON — The American Red Cross is urging residents of areas in the path of Tropical Storm Fay to get prepared now.

Fay is expected to hit northeastern Florida today. Parts of Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama may be in the path of the storm. The southern half of the Georgia Coast is under a tropical storm warning. A tropical storm warning means you may see sustained winds in the range of 39 to 73 mph within 24 hours.

The Red Cross continues to assist Floridians affected by this storm, and is making preparations in Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama should Fay hit these states. Red Cross and its partners are providing shelter to people who left their flooded homes. Everyone is encouraged to continue listening to local authorities.

Being prepared is critical. Some families have arrived at Red Cross shelters soaking wet with nothing but the clothing they are wearing. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information. Pack a bag and be ready. Include prescription medications and dentures; flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water, change of clothes and bedding for each household member and your car keys.

If you have time, bring things indoors that could cause damage to your home, such as outdoor furniture. Turn off electricity, water, and propane gas service. Leave natural gas on. Cover your windows if high winds are expected. Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Gather essential supplies and important papers. Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. Recheck manufactured home tie-downs. Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.

Register Yourself as Safe and Well: People can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website accessible at www.redcross.org. This website allows those who are affected by Tropical Storm Fay, or any disaster, to let loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster-affected area can select and post standard “safe and well” messages. For those that do not have internet access, 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) has representatives available to help to register people.

Follow the prompts for disaster information. Concerned family members who know the person’s phone number (home, cell or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who self-register.

After the storm passes through an area, keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions. If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so. In case of a power outage, use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles. Don’t open the refrigerator or freezer. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.

If you are using a generator, do not attempt to use it indoors, including inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon dioxide buildup in the home. Be sure to place the generator away from open windows, doors or vents leading into your home. Install battery-operated carbon dioxide alarms in your home. Keep the generator dry. Be sure to turn the generator off and allow it to cool before refueling. Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord.

The Red Cross expended all funds available for disaster relief responding to a record tornado season, wide-scale flooding in the Midwest and an early wildfire season. Red Cross also responded to Hurricane Dolly.

Those who would like to help the Red Cross, and those seeking more information about assistance or shelter locations should call their local Red Cross chapter or toll free at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).