Red Cross to LA Residents: Prep For More Frequent Extreme Weather
NEW ORLEANS, La. (KPEL News) - While this year's hurricane forecast from Colorado State University has been revised to lower the forecasted impact of this year's hurricane season, the American Red Cross of Louisiana is encouraging everyone to take critical actions during National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. According to the American Red Cross, deadly storms and floods, raging fires, and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis and families are experiencing the effects.
Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes. In July, residents in northwest Louisiana were impacted by tornadoes from Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded. The National Weather Service confirmed 40 tornadoes and a record-breaking 67 tornado warnings in one day.
Read More: New Hurricane Forecast Shows Quiet Tropics for LA, Gulf of Mexico
Read More: Strong Cold Front Could Impact Louisiana by Early September
Jeanerette Volunteers Answer the Call
Newly trained Red Cross volunteers from Jeanerette, Louisiana jumped into action to join the relief efforts and support their neighbors in need. The Jeanerette volunteers visited hundreds of damaged homes across seven parishes and provided residents with immediate assistance, comfort and care. View their impact here.
“We can’t prevent disasters, but we can take steps today that help our families and communities be better prepared for emergencies,” said CW Wider, senior disaster program manager of the Louisiana Red Cross. “It is critical to not only prepare yourself for risks like hurricanes and tornadoes in our community, but to help families in need who have been displaced year after year by these extreme weather events.”
How To Prepare
The American Red Cross encourages you to get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies, and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:
- Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
- Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
- Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
- Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
- Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies.
“During National Preparedness Month, consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small. If you have the time, take a first aid class or put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer,” said Wider.
Visit redcross.org/louisiana or call 800-RED-CROSS to learn more today.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
