More Flooding Possible; American Red Cross Offfers Safety Tips
News Release: April 7, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
With new flood watches issued around the Northeast, the American Red Cross will continue its support for flood victims in need of assistance, and encourages families to take extra precautions to stay safe.
According to National Weather Service reports, the Delaware River is expected to respond as a result of this new rainfall. However, water levels that were reached earlier this week are not expected as anticipated rain amounts are less than they were this past weekend.
Area waterways continue to run high, therefore a concern for some renewed small stream and creek flooding still exists. For this reason, the flood watch remains in effect.
If your residence is in a flood-prone area:
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic bottles with clean water. Water may become contaminated or service may be interrupted.
• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. If flood waters affect your home, higher floors are less likely to receive damage.
• If you are instructed by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve. In some areas, local authorities may advise you to turn off utilities to prevent further damage to homes and the community.
• Get your preassembled disaster supplies ready. You may need to act quickly. Having your supplies ready will save time.
• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued. If electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.
• If you think you are at risk, evacuate immediately. Move quickly to higher ground. Save yourself, not your belongings. The most important thing is your safety. Local officials may ask you to leave if they truly feel your home is at risk from flood waters. Be sure to contact them if you are unsure of what to do and follow their instructions immediately.
“Listen to your local media for flooding updates,” said Cordelia Miller, director of emergency services at the local chapter. “Remember, a flood WARNING means a flood is imminent or is happening in the area. If you have to evacuate, follow the recommended routes. Shortcuts or alternate roads may be blocked or damaged by flood waters. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water, especially if the waters are moving. Turn around and go another way.”
Anyone affected by flooding in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties, should call the local Red Cross at (610) 865-4400.
To assist victims of this flooding, residents are encouraged to make a financial gift or volunteer their time.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of this flooding and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017 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 or www.redcrosslv.org.
