HRCadmin posted on July 05, 2011 23:37
RED CROSS OFFERS EVACUATION TIPS FOR RESIDENTS
Fayetteville, NC – As authorities have advised residents to evacuate due to wildfire in Bladen County, the American Red Cross recommends several steps to make the evacuation process as safe and comfortable as possible:
□ If you need to evacuate, do so immediately. You may have only minutes to act. Protect yourself and your family members.
□ Follow the route and directions provided by local emergency officials. It’s important that you do not detour from the route provided by officials – it is the safest route!
□ Lock your home – Others may evacuate after you or return before you. Secure your house as you normally would.
□ Wear protective clothing. Including sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from hot embers, and gloves. Take a dry handkerchief to protect your face. Smoke can make it difficult to breathe, damaging breathing passages or triggering respiratory distress.
□ Take your pets with you. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them. Red Cross emergency shelters cannot accept pets unless they are service animals. Prepare a list of family, friends, pet-friendly motels and boarding facilities that can shelter your animals in an emergency.
□ Take your Emergency Preparedness Kit. Having items such as prescription medications, copies of identification and important paperwork, non-perishable food, bottled water and a supply of cash already assembled will make you more comfortable and confident while you are away from home.
□ Register with the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site. If you are affected by a wildfire, this public site provides a way for you to register yourself and communicate your well-being to your family members. You can input information directly, or, via phone, ask a loved one to register your well-being for other family members and loved ones to access. The site is accessible via www.redcross.org.
Keep listening for updates, as the intensity and the path of the wildfire can change quickly, and without notice.
The American Red Cross – Highlands Chapter managed a shelter that opened at Cape Fear High School on Sunday and closed Tuesday afternoon. The American Red Cross provided shelter, food, emotional support and referral services to those affected by disasters. For more information regarding evacuation tips and disaster preparedness please contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross.