News Release: September 18, 2003
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
With Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties under an inland tropical storm wind warning and flood watch, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley urges residents to take safety precautions. An inland tropical wind storm can pack maximum sustained wind speeds that range from 39 to 73 miles per hour and dump heavy rains onto the area.
If you havent already done so, bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by the wind, said Nina Johnson, disaster services manager for the local Red Cross. The rule for being safe in a flooding situation is simple: head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking, swimming, or driving through such swift water.
br>You can take steps to prepare for high winds and flooding by following these safety tips:
Stay informed about the storm by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest flood Watches, Warnings and Advisories.
Be sure to have a battery-powered portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries on hand.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: first aid kit, non-perishable food and manual can opener, bottled water, prescription medications, rubber boots, rubber gloves and other necessary items.
Remain indoors and stay away from windows and glass doors when heavy winds approach your area.
Know the difference between a Flood WATCH and a Flood WARNING: a Flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area; a Flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop. Turn around and go another way.
Children should never play around high water, storm drains, or viaducts.
Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way. Never drive through flooded roadways.
If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, particularly during threatening conditions.
If fresh food has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.
Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches or matches, to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
For more disaster preparedness information, visit www.redcross.org or call your local Red Cross at (610) 865-4400.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about your local Red Cross or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.
