Press

Red Cross Encourages Public to Prepare

As Flood Warnings are Issued

Widespread flooding is affecting numerous counties in Missouri and Illinois

St. Louis, Wednesday, March 19, 2008 – As flood warnings are issued throughout the region, American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter disaster relief workers are on standby ready to assist in flood relief efforts as needed; in the meantime the Red Cross encourages the public to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions.

Regardless of the source of flooding, the rule for being safe is simple: head for the high ground and stay away from the water. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving water produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing to do is to try walking, swimming, or driving though such swift water.

Steps to prepare for potential flooding include the following:

Know your area’s flood risk. If unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan that identifies where you could go if told to evacuate. The plan should include checking your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to see if it covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance. Keep insurance policies, important documents, and valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing a first aid kit, essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing (rainwear, rubber boots and gloves, bedding or sleeping bags), a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and specialty items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
Consider moving valuables to higher floors of your home.
Fill your car’s gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued.

Steps to take when a flood warning is issued include the following:

Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information, and follow all instructions provided by authorities.
Evacuate immediately if you live in a flood prone area, or when advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
If you are driving and come upon flood waters, turn around and go the other way. Do not drive through flood waters. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water (or the engine stalls), use caution when leaving your vehicle.
Do not walk through flooded areas.
If you are outdoors, move away from flood waters, climb to higher ground and stay there.
Stay away from down power lines, because electrocution is a major cause of death during flooding.
Watch out for animals seeking shelter because they have lost their homes.

Steps to take after flooding:

Avoid disaster areas.
When necessary, seek appropriate medical care.
Stay out of any building if flood waters remain around the building.
Use extreme caution. Look for fire hazards. Report broken utility lines.
Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters.
Pump out flooded basements gradually to avoid structural damage.

For more information:
For additional information on safety tips related to flooding, other preparedness information, and details about a vast array of programs and services that are available from the American Red Cross, call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or log on to the Chapter’s website at www.redcrossstl.org.

How You Can Help:

The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and relies upon the generosity of the local community to provide relief during times of disaster. To make a contribution in support of disaster relief for this and future events, please contact us at 314.516.2800 or donate on-line at www.redcrossstl.org.

About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 91 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 446,600 times each year. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.

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