The American Red Cross of Lower Bucks County encourages the public to stay informed about flooding in their area, and to take precautions before flooding occurs.
• How to prepare for flooding:
• MAKE A PLAN so you know where to go if you need to evacuate. Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your loved ones by choosing an out-of-town contact that each person can contact should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well web site, accessible through www.redcross.org.
• STAY INFORMED. Know what to do if flooding occurs
• Be ready with an EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT, which includes:
o First aid kit and essential medications.
o Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
o Canned food and can opener.
o Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).
o Family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.
• Heeding Flood Warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated flood information. A flood WATCH means flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. A food WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
o When a Flood WATCH is issued – Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
o When a Flood WARNING is issued – Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
o When a Flash Flood WARNING is issued – or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly! Move to higher ground. Do not drive around barricades. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. If you experience flooding and need help, call your local authorities immediately.
• Relocating During Flood Warnings: Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankle, stop, turn around and go another way. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
“By preparing together for floods, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” said Steven Huizar, Director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter. “We can help you and your family create a flood preparedness plan now, before our community is threatened by excessive rainfall.”
For more information on flood preparedness, contact the Lower Bucks County Chapter of the American Red Cross at (215) 946-4870, visit www.redcross.org or www.cruzrojaamericana.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS. We urge you to share these Red Cross flood preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.
About the American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter: The American Red Cross Lower Bucks County Chapter shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster; provides blood for area hospitals; teaches lifesaving skills; supports military members and their families; and operates the County’s only emergency homeless shelter. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. Donations to support these vital services can be mailed to American Red Cross-Lower Bucks County Chapter at 1909 Veterans Highway, Levittown, Pa 19056 or by calling Jane E. Ward, Director of Development at 215-946-4870 ext 101 or via our Web Site www.redcrosslbcc.org.
Help people affected by disasters like the potential flooding, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling, and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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