Hurricane Sandy could affect millions of residents all along the East Coast. The American Red Cross is launching a multi-state response effort to help people in the storm’s path.
Sandy is a dangerous storm that should be taken seriously. People in its potential path should get ready now for possible flooding, strong winds, extended power outages and heavy snow in the mountains.
This will be a large, costly relief response across several states, and we need your help now.
We’re mobilizing hundreds of disaster workers to coordinate relief efforts and to open shelters.
More than 100 response vehicles are also ready to respond, some coming from as far away as Wisconsin.
Relief supplies like cots, blankets, ready-to-eat meals and snacks are being moved into place to support relief efforts.
We’re also working closely with government officials and community partners like the Southern Baptist Convention, Americorps NCCC and the Salvation Army.
Red Cross workers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York and Delaware are finalizing preparations in advance of opening shelters as early as Sunday afternoon if needed.
Meanwhile, in West Virginia, the Red Cross is preparing for significant snowfall and coordinating plans with state and county emergency management agencies.
Check emergency kits now. Include a three-day supply of water for each person in the household, food that doesn’t require refrigeration, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries and a first aid kit. A full list of suggested items is available on redcross.org.
Become familiar with your community’s emergency response plan and finalize individual family plans in case asked to evacuate. Also remember to make plans for pets.
Businesses and schools should make sure warning or alert systems for employees are in order and contact information is up-to-date. More information on being prepared is available at readyrating.org.
To donate visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to get prepared and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected.
Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Governor Tomblin Encourages West Virginians to Prepare for Potential Severe Weather
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today encouraged West Virginians to prepare for potential severe weather conditions associated with Hurricane Sandy. The National Weather Service is forecasting that Hurricane Sandy will continue to move up the East Coast and inland over the next week. Although there is some uncertainty with the storm’s final path, current forecasts predict rain, snow and strong winds could move into the state. The north central part of the state, the panhandles and the higher elevations are currently expected to be affected the most.
“This afternoon, I’m encouraging all West Virginians to begin preparing for the possibility of severe weather. I encourage folks to prepare by gathering batteries, flash lights, bottled water, non-perishable food items, blankets, medications, a battery-operated radio and other necessities during the next few days, and to make sure friends, family members and neighbors are also prepared,” said Gov. Tomblin. “I will continue to monitor this storm very closely, and I will stay in close contact with our Office of Emergency Management Services to make sure our state is prepared should we experience hazardous conditions.”
From the Division of Highways, West Virginia National Guard to our higher education institutions, state agencies remain vigilant to ensure public safety and are preparing for the storm. Several utility providers have indicated they too are preparing to respond.
For more information on how you can prepare, please visit: www.ready.wv.gov.
