Back American Red Cross Offers Safety Tips to Remind People What to Do When Severe Weather Strikes   St. Louis, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 – In response to the current and recent severe weather, including tornado warnings, thunderstorms and flash flooding, the American Red Cross offers these safety tips to remind St. Louis area residents to take action when severe weather and flash flooding strikes:   Watches and Warnings: During severe weather, it is important to remember the difference between a watch and a warning. These watches and warnings are issued by county name. A watch means that conditions are right for a storm to develop in the area. When a watch is issued, individuals should exercise caution by remaining attentive to their surroundings and any changes in the weather. A warning means that a storm or tornado has been sighted and may be headed for the area. When a warning is issued, individuals should seek shelter immediately.   Tornado: If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately, preferably in a basement. If there is no basement, go to a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. In a high-rise building, if there is no time to reach the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. Have a disaster supply kit on hand and readily available. The kit should include a first aid kit and essential medications, as well as three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit, with additional supplies on hand. Thunderstorm: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, a commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts. When a storm approaches, unplug appliances and avoid using electrical devices, including the telephone. Avoid taking a bath or shower or running water for any other purpose. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home. If caught outside, go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. Crouch low to the ground and become the smallest target possible by placing your hands on your knees with your head between them. Flood Preparedness: Know your area’s flood risk. If unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department. If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. Prepare a Family Disaster Plan that identifies where you could go if told to evacuate. The plan should include checking your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to see if it covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance. Keep insurance policies, important documents, and valuables in a safe-deposit box. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing a first aid kit, essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing (rainwear, rubber boots and gloves, bedding or sleeping bags), a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and specialty items for infants, elderly or disabled family members. Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded. Consider moving valuables to higher floors of your home. Fill your car’s gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued. Flood Warning: Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information, and follow all instructions provided by authorities. Evacuate immediately if you live in a flood prone area, or when advised to evacuate, do so immediately. If you are driving and come upon flood waters, turn around and go the other way. Do not drive through flood waters. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water (or the engine stalls), use caution when leaving your vehicle. Do not walk through flooded areas. If you are outdoors, move away from flood waters, climb to higher ground and stay there. Stay away from down power lines, because electrocution is a major cause of death during flooding. Watch out for animals seeking shelter because they have lost their homes. After Flooding: Avoid disaster areas. When necessary, seek appropriate medical care. Stay out of any building if flood waters remain around the building. Use extreme caution. Look for fire hazards. Report broken utility lines. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Pump out flooded basements gradually to avoid structural damage. For more information: For additional information on safety tips related to flooding, other preparedness information, and details about a vast array of programs and services that are available from the American Red Cross, call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or log on to the Chapter’s website at www.redcrossstl.org.   About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter: Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 91 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 446,600 times each year. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.

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