| PITTSBURGH, PA American Red Cross volunteers gear up to provide assistance or open up shelters in response to the local effects of Hurricane Isabel, residents are reminded of ways they can be prepared for or react to a flood emergency.
Hurricane Isabel remains a large category 2 storm approaching landfall. The center of Isabel began moving inland over eastern North Carolina early this afternoon. Hurricane Isabel continues on a northwest path at 15 mph.
Seven states, including Pennsylvania, have formally been declared states of emergency. Others include: Commonwealth of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and District of Columbia.
The American Red Cross has already opened 175 shelters throughout affected areas on the East Coast, including North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. There are currently 19,101 evacuees in the shelters.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania is prepared to open shelters locally and provide assistance to those affected locally by Hurricane Isabel.
While Southwestern Pennsylvania waits, there are steps the Red Cross recommends taking to get prepared for flooding.
According to experts in the Emergency Services Department at the Red Cross, the rate of rainfall and how long it lasts contribute to potential flash flooding. Flash flooding can occur within minutes and can destroy buildings, carry away automobiles, and tear out trees.
The best advice the Red Cross can give to residents in flood-prone areas is to be prepared by taking precautionary steps to protect their homes and families, said Paula McWilliams, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania helps families in Allegheny, Washington, Greene and Fayette Counties prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. Serving over 1.6 million people, the local Red Cross directly helped more than 95,000 individuals in the last year with services such as:
Lifesaving training in First Aid, CPR and water safety
Food, clothing and shelter following local disasters such as house fires and flooding
Around-the-clock messaging between our men and women in uniform and their loved ones here at home.
Hundreds of meaningful volunteer opportunities
For more information about American Red Cross services, call 1-888-217-2599 (toll-free, 24 hours) or visit swpa.redcross.org.
CLICK HERE FOR A BROCHURE ON TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE DURING A FLOOD.
Are You Ready For A Flood? |
