April Showers Bring More Than Flowers
News Release: April 2, 2007
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

April showers bring more than flowers As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” But, an unfortunate result of all that spring rain can be floods. Are you prepared in the event of a flood? Here is some information to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Learn the risk of floods for your area

• Call your Red Cross, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.

• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce potential flood damage

• Raise your furnace, water heater and electric panel to a higher place if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded. (Consult with a professional to find out if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.)

Prepare a family disaster plan

• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

• Take time to update your home evacuation plan and spend time discussing it with your household members so that everyone now what to do if flooding prompts an evacuation. Then, practice evacuating to ensure everything runs smoothly. • Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

• Make arrangements for the safety of your pet.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing

• First aid kit and essential medications.

• Canned food and can opener.

• At least three gallons of water per person.

• Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

When a flood watch is issued

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued. Do not drive around barricades — they are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

When a flood warning is issued

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains.

And remember, when a flood, fire or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. For more information, call the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross at (610) 865-4400 or visit redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.