Red Cross ready to respond ahead of severe storms expected in Georgia

ATLANTA — The National Weather Service is forecasting severe storms to pass through most of Georgia starting late Monday evening (Jan. 8). As of now, it is expected to bring with it the possibility of tornadoes, including in the overnight hours, the potential for flooding rain, and strong gusts of wind. The American Red Cross of Georgia is asking people to prepare now before the storm arrives.

Prepare In Advance

1. Builda kit

• A gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant    and pets if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. If you already have a disaster kit, now is the time to make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.

2. Makea plan

• Plan what to do in case you need to shelter in place or evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work, and your community’s emergency plans. Plan multiple routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required, and make plans for pets. If you already have an emergency plan, update it and review with family members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.

3. Stay informed

• Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

For more helpful tips to prepare, in nine different languages, click here.

What’s the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning?

   A flood/flash flood WATCH means a flood or flash flood is possible.

A flood/flash flood WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS!

TORNADOS 

Tornados can happen anywhere, at any time. Everyone should know the tornado danger signs, such as dark, often greenish clouds, a wall cloud, a cloud of debris, large hail, funnel cloud, or a loud, roaring noise. A tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible in or near a specific area. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted and that people should seek shelter immediately.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

NEED FOR BLOOD AND VOLUNTEER AHEAD OF STORMS 

Severe weather during a blood shortage can have an even greater impact on the Red Cross’s ability to collect life-saving blood products due to increased canceled blood drives and decreased donor turnout in impacted areas. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. If you are feeling well, please make an appointment today to give by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As you prepare for disasters, the Red Cross is preparing too. We encourage people to join us by volunteering in their local community. A variety of positions are available, including disaster shelter and health supervisors. Find out more at redcross.org/volunteer.