Why Preparing for Hurricanes in North Texas Isn’t Crazy

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

“Hurricanes can demolish towns, obliterate coastlines, and devastate families. We cannot eliminate the threats they pose, but with careful planning, we can better protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, America fortifies our homes and businesses so that we are ready long before these powerful storms make landfall.” -President Barack Obama

It may be difficult for DFW dwellers to image a storm more powerful than a tornado. Many of us know first hand the terrible destruction these whirling winds of chaos can do in a matter of seconds. Even though we are fully aware of the other devastating natural disasters that occur around the world, there probably not that many of us in the Metroplex preparing for earthquakes, volcanoes or tsunamis.

Our geographical differences depend largely on what type of disaster we prepare for. I guarantee no one living in Hawaii is putting chains on their vehicles, stocking up on firewood or rushing to the store to buy a snow shovel. There is one storm that none of us in North Texas probably think about much anymore. This storm is 2,000 times bigger than a tornado and lasts an average of 10 days.

Fortunately, though, unlike a tornado, this storm comes with plenty of warning. If you knew a storm 2,000 times larger than a tornado was coming your way—wouldn’t you want to be ready?

We may be landlocked, but hurricanes off our state’s coast will and do affect us here in North Texas.

A hurricane begins in the area of the world surrounding the Equator called the Tropics. A disturbance in this area forms from a low-pressure system with winds over the warm waters of the oceans in the Tropics. On its way to becoming a hurricane, this tropical disturbance picks up steam and starts a counter clockwise rotation. As winds increase to 39 to 73 miles per hour, the tropical disturbance becomes a storm. This is when the National Hurricane Center will give the tropical storm a name. The storm then officially reaches hurricane status when one-minute winds reach 74 miles per hour.

Hurricanes produce very high damaging winds, heavy rain, tornadoes and flooding. The most damaging part of a hurricane is the storm surge. A storm surge is when the sea creates a wall of water that rushes onto land. This wall of water can reach 20 feet high and extend inland for up to 100 miles.

Hurricanes affect not just coastal areas. The National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center has maps displaying the high damaging winds from a hurricane off the coast of Texas and Louisiana reaching as far North as Southern Oklahoma and Central Arkansas—hundreds of miles away from the eye of a hurricane. In 1921, a hurricane that hit landfall in Mexico resulted in a record-breaking 36.4-inch rainfall in 18 hours recorded in Thrall, Texas—200 miles off the coast. The flooding killed 215 people throughout Central Texas. During American’s worst hurricane in history, the 1900 Galveston hurricane, Fort Worth recorded 52 mile per hour winds. In 1967, a category 3 hurricane made landfall right at the mouth of the Rio Grande River. Hurricane Beulah directly caused 115 tornadoes throughout Texas—the highest amount of tornadoes to form due to a hurricane.

You can read more about the damage hurricanes have left behind in Central and North Texas on the USA Today and NOAA’s websites.

Texas’ hurricane season runs from June through November with chances slimming as early as September. However, just like tornadoes, hurricanes do and will form outside their designated seasons. Those of us living in Dallas/Fort Worth may not necessarily need to stock pile marine plywood to board up our houses, nor invest in thousands of dollars worth of hurricane shutters, we can learn from our coastal neighbors how to prepare for the worst.

Before Hurricane Season

As with any natural disaster or severe weather event, before hurricane season starts, you need to create a family emergency plan. This includes designating a point of contact—either a family member or family friend—that is within driving distance, but out of the way of the affected area that you can shelter with. Your communications plan will also detail meeting locations in case your family is separated through work or school when disaster strikes.

Because of the high likelihood of downed power lines and contaminated water, store enough bottled water for 10 days for your family. The very minimum recommended amount is one gallon per person per day. If there is not a mandatory evacuation before a hurricane hits, fill containers, bathtubs and sinks full of water. You can use this water for washing up. If worse comes to worse, you may drink it after treating it with bleach, charcoal filters, boiling or water treatment tablets.

Also, stock up on non-perishable food equaling to two cans of food per person, per day.

Trim trees and shrubs surrounding your house for less chance they will fall on the roof or break through glass windows and doors.

During a Hurricane

It is imperative to leave if there is a call for an evacuation. Leaving can save your life. If you live on the coast, you should have a go-bag packed ready to go or in your vehicle at all times.
In this go-bag, you need:

• Identification for yourself, children and all pets
• GPS and maps with preplanned safe evacuation routes out of town
• Copies of insurance documents and other important paperwork
• Essential medications
• Cash
• Sturdy shoes
• Gas can full of gas
• Change of clothing
• Rain gear
• Cell phone charger
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks or protein bars
• First aid kit
• Basic toiletries
• Charged cell phone with the Red Cross shelter app installed

Deciding to stay at home is risky; however, your city might not issue a mandatory evacuation. If you choose to stay at home, make sure you have flashlights, plenty of fresh batteries, a weather alert radio, a first aid kit, enough essential medications, wood, nails, hammer, sturdy shoes, rain gear, plenty of drinking water and non-perishable foods in a designated safe room in your house. Turn off the utilities to your house and bring in all lighter weight items such as garbage cans, lawn furniture and ornaments, toys and the barbeque grill.

Stay inside, away from windows and glass doors while the storm rages. It may be necessary to cut off all electricity and utilities from the main. Turn off and unplug all major appliances. Stay tuned to your weather alert radio for updates.

After a Hurricane

After a hurricane passes, you are eager to get home to assess the damage. However, more deaths and accidents occur after the hurricane has gone due to carelessness in a rush to get home. Only return home when officials have said it is safe. Do not drive through floodwaters or barricaded areas. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the electric company or your local fire department.

Approach your house with caution; it may be more damaged than it appears. When reentering, wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. If there is standing water that remains in your house, it is best to leave and report the damage to your insurance agent. Standing water may be unsafe and can cause electric shock. Returning to an unlivable home is devastating. Seek out your local Red Cross shelter for help. 

For an easy to follow and keep checklist on hurricane preparedness, visit the Red Cross’ “Returning Home Checklist.”

Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, home fires or any other disaster, the American Red Cross is there to help people prepare, respond to those in need, and aid the community in recovery. Please consider supporting the Red Cross by making a donation to the Disaster Relief fund.

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Don't be Scared -Be Prepared!

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

It is widely believed that our tradition of Halloween originates from the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain (pronounced SAH-win). Samhain, beginning on October 31 marked the end of summer for the ancient Irish people. This time was the end of harvest and when people prepared for the long winter ahead—a season often referred to as the “darker half.” It was during these few days the Celts believed the line between the two worlds of the living and the dead blurred and ghosts and witches roamed freely in the world of the living. To them, this night of spirits was not particularly scary or malevolent like we tend to thing of the supernatural. In fact, those who celebrated Samhain would set places at the dinner table or around the fire to welcome the ghosts of dead loved ones. At night, they would light candles and bonfires and feast. Since then, throughout history, cultures all around Europe continued the tradition of a feasting around harvest time and light fires in order to guide the ghosts as they roamed.

As Christianity spread, religious leaders tried to do away with pagan rituals and traditions, Samhain being one of them. In attempt to replace Samhain, Catholic leaders declared November 1 the day of the feast of All Saints. When that didn’t work, the Catholic Church declared November 2 as All Souls Day, a day to pray for those who had died, thinking that perhaps it would appease the Celts. All Saints Day—also known as All Hallows Eve—is where we get the name Halloween. To this day, October 31 is celebrated by recognizing all things creepy such as ghosts, witches, ghouls, and goblins.

Many of our modern day Halloween traditions are deep-rooted from the ancient festival of Samhain and the traditions picked up along the way. We dress up in costume as some did to confuse the spirits, we trick or treat- a tradition starting in the Middle Ages where people would entertain others in return for food. Many of our symbols stem from this ancient harvest festival as well- corn stalks, pumpkins and scare crows.

Though costumes range the span of superheroes and Disney characters, the most popular costumes for adults are scary like witches, vampires, skeletons or other bloody character. The paranormal still dominates Halloween despite all the silly and “sexy” costumes. We decorate our homes with fake gravestones, body parts and spooky lighting. We serve hot dogs made to look like severed fingers and red cocktails served over dry ice to mimic drinking blood. Halloween allows us to be morbid and seek out that which frightens us. Though there is no record of Samhain being a night of frights, we Americans sure have made turned into that. Indeed, we also know we aren’t going to starve during winter.

Unlike our other major holidays, there is not one thing Americans will agree on that we are actually celebrating on Halloween. Are we celebrating the dead? The undead? That seems morbid. Do dentists feast because they know we’re keeping them in business? As the second most profitable holiday in America, what exactly IS Halloween?

If it is the night spirits walk around in our world, we sure have stretched the imagination of what the other world consists of, haven’t we? The Celts welcomed and warded off spirits, fairies and witches. Besides those, we also have to ward off vampires, werewolves, zombies, headless horseman and dead or undead manic serial killers who just won’t die. Ever.  Boy, Halloween is a busy night for America’s underworld. After the candy is eaten and the Jack O’Lantern candle is blown out and the witching hour is nigh, I have a suggestion on what you need to be prepared instead of scared.

For $45, The American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Starter Kit has every thing you need to get through these next few days of the dead.

Flashlight and batteries-If you have watched one episode of Ghost Adventures or Ghost Hunters, you know that ghosts really only like the dark.

Am/FM Radio- Listening to your favorite station will drown out the howls from coming outside your bedroom window. In addition, you won’t miss any emergency broadcast in case the zombie apocalypse begins or aliens attack.

Reflective blanket-Bloody Mary-free!

First aid kit- You will want to wrap sterile gauze around those two bite marks you got on your neck.

Food packs- Fighting ghouls takes energy.

Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap-Zombies don’t have the best hygiene!

Breathing mask-Rotting flesh doesn’t smell anywhere close to roses

Rain poncho-Drape this over your head to disguise yourself as one of the ghosts to confuse them.

Whistle-As one of the most practical items in the kit, use your whistle to let others (living others) know you need help.

Water- Water in a preparedness kit should be self-explanatory. You can only go about 100 hours without drinking water. Without this, you will join the ranks of the dead.

Without a kit, I can only wish you good luck and Godspeed!

Halloween is all good and fun, but remember to stay safe. Children are four more times likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night of the year. Trick or Treat in groups, with at least one adult to supervise. Start out early to avoid running around in the dark, walk only on the sidewalk and cross the street at designated crosswalks. Carry flashlights, glow sticks, wear a blinking light, or attach reflective tape to children’s costumes. And remember, if they look like a zombie, act like a zombie and smell like a zombie, they probably are a zombie.

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How Should Senior Citizens Prepare for a Disaster?

By Carol Grinage, volunteer contributor

August 21st is Senior Citizen Day! It is a day to celebrate our older generations; the contributions they've made and the roles they have in our lives. It is also a day to remember to take care and think of them. With disasters occurring daily throughout the world, it is important to remember that our older generations should be just as prepared.

How do senior citizens prepare for a disaster? When I first mentioned this topic to my mother, she became angry, and she said, “Senior citizens don’t prepare any differently than other people.”

I respectfully disagreed and mentioned the number of senior citizens who died in the Chicago heatwave years ago.

My mom, then, regretfully agreed, “Yes, we do have to consider our lives today. We still think we are 20 and can do everything that we used to do until an emergency occurs, and we realize that we don’t have the same bodies that we had at 20 and can’t do the things we used to be able to easily do.”

After some discussion and research, here are some ways seniors can prepare for a disaster.

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit
2. Make a Plan
3. Be Informed

Prepare Your Kit

Make an emergency kit. Put medications, identification, contact phone numbers, prescriptions, and vital information in this kit. Also, put enough food, water, and medical supplies for three days in it.

Because this kit may be heavy, it is better to put it in smaller bags that may have wheels. Make sure that you put your name on it and on any wheelchairs, canes, or walkers or any items that will not be placed in the kit.

Make a Plan

You may not think a disaster will occur in your area, but you never know. As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry”. When an emergency does occur, you will be glad that you have a plan in place.

Discuss your action plan with family members and have at least one emergency contact who does not live in the area. This contact is necessary because quite often it is the local phone service that may not work, but you will be able to contact someone outside of the area. This person will need to know your whereabouts and contact information.

In addition, plan a meeting place whether it is a shelter or someone’s home. If you no longer drive, plan transportation; whether it is emergency senior transportation or a friend or relative who will pick you up. If possible, car pool so that people are not searching for one another.

Where will your pets go in an emergency? Quite often people don’t consider their pets in the emergency plan, and sadly, some people don’t seek shelter for them during an emergency. Before an emergency happens, see where you can shelter your pet until you return home if an evacuation becomes necessary.

Be Informed
What emergency is most likely to happen in your community?
Earthquake? Hurricane? Winter storm? Flood? Tornado?

Think about what type of emergency is most likely to occur, and base your plans on that type of emergency.

Also, how will you be notified of an emergency? Will it be on the television? Radio? Community alarm system? Phone call? Determine how your community warns people of a possible disaster, and make sure you have a system in place so that you will be alerted.

If you are in a retirement community, check to see what plans are in place. Sometimes, the community has already established emergency procedures and a safe place for residents. See if this information is available.

When to Prepare

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. Discuss plans with friends and family. If you no longer drive, make sure you have transportation arranged and a safe place in mind. Lastly, update your emergency kit every six months and throw out any expired food or medication. Also, review your emergency plans a few times a year to make sure contact information and shelters have not changed.

Go to RedCross.org/Prepare for more information!

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New Hurricane App Brings American Red Cross Safety Information to Smart Phones

A new American Red Cross Hurricane App puts help right into the hands of people who live in or visit hurricane prone areas. Best of all, it’s free and available for both iPhones and Android phones.

The Red Cross app gives people real time information for hurricane threats where they are located-whether it’s the community where they live or the places they love to vacation.

The app has a number of features that let people share vital information with their Facebook friends and Twitter followers. People who need to get out of harm’s way quickly can tap the “I’m Safe” button to post a message to their social accounts, letting friends and loved ones know they are okay. These features that will help friends and families stay in touch during hurricanes, reducing much of the fear and uncertainly for loved ones and property owners far away.

The Red Cross app also gives people the ability to receive location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories and share those on their social networks too. Even if someone doesn’t live full-time in a threatened area, users can receive alerts for vacation spots, places where they winter or where loved ones live.  It’s a feature that can give peace of mind to frequent travelers and those with elderly relatives or college students in coastal areas.

Other features include:

•          Toolkit with a flashlight, a strobe light and an audible alarm
•          Locations of open Red Cross shelters
•         Simple steps and checklists to create a family emergency plan
•         Preloaded preparedness content that gives instant access to critical action steps even without mobile connectivity.

National Red Cross experts in health, safety, and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in this app.

The Hurricane App comes on the heels of the release of highly successful Red Cross First Aid App, which has had nearly 600,000 downloads in its first six weeks. While apps can prepare you for disasters, downloading the First Aid app is not a substitute for training. 


To learn more about Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED courses or to register, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

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Red Cross Urges Preparedness with New Round of Severe Weather

The American Red Cross continues to work around the clock to bring relief, support and comfort to residents of North Texas affected by this week’s tornadoes. 


We've heard dozens of stories of how people used their wits and preparedness to stay safe during the last round of storms. From putting pots over their heads in bathtubs to finding the smallest closet, people reacted quickly and lives were saved. 

Well, this Easter weekend, forecasters are predicting another round of thunderstorms and we're asking, "what would you do?"


In this video, Anita Foster walks you through the basics of getting together a kit. Take the time today to prepare your family since severe storm season is just beginning and experts are predicting a very active year. 

We also know that being prepared while on the road can be challenging but if you prepare by staying alert of weather forecasts, packing a kit for car and following safety precautions issued for travelers.

The most important thing is, whether you are traveling this Easter or staying home, all Texans should get a kit, make a plan and be informed before the Easter Bunny arrives. 

Here are a checklist of things you could include in your kit:

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Things to Do When the Sky is Blue—Preparing for When Disaster Strikes

by Lilly Watson, American Red Cross contributor
Already this year, many of our fellow Americans lost their lives, their loved ones or their homes and belongings in severe storms and tornadoes. In early March alone, the Red Cross relief efforts stretched across 11 states where 22 shelters opened comforting friends and neighbors.

Those of us at home watched and asked, "How are these communities so resilient?" And also, "What would I do if this happened to me?"

There is no way to keep a tornado from arriving in your neighborhood with little notice, but you can prepare your home and family should you ever find yourself in the face of severe weather.

The video below reviews some of the most important things to remember in the eye of the storm.

You know when you are preparing to fly and the attendant tells says you must secure your mask before helping others? Well, helping in disasters is exactly the same. Your emergency preparedness kit and plan for your family comes first, then you can turn to your neighbor to help them put on their "mask."

The best time to prepare for an emergency is when one isn't happening. On top of viewing the video above, download these free tips from the American Red Cross so that you and your family will be ready when the time comes. Be safe everyone! http://rdcrss.org/eekGXz

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Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test November 9 at 1 p.m. CST

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Communications Commission will run a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) Wednesday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. CST to assess how well the EAS alerts the public about emergencies.

This first ever country-wide test will appear on all broadcast radio and television stations, cable television systems, satellite radio and television systems, and wireline video service systems.

The American Red Cross urges the public to use the test as a reminder to get personally prepared for disasters.

“The combined resources of the government, community organizations and the Red Cross will never be big enough to do it all in every disaster,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “Every person, business, organization, school and house of worship must be prepared to take care of themselves and their neighbors in an emergency.”

The three keys to preparedness are to build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.

An emergency preparedness kit should include enough supplies for everyone in the household for at least three days. The kit should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. Preparedness kits, radios and other items needed in an emergency are available online at the Red Cross Store.

All members of the household should work together on an emergency plan. Each person should know how to reach other members of the household. The plan should also include an out-of-area emergency contact person, and where everyone should meet if they can't go home.

People should be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live. It is also important to take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.

Throughout the year, the Red Cross conducts programs to help people be prepared. “Be Red Cross Ready” is a web-based interactive training program that teaches people how to be ready for emergencies. The Red Cross “Do More Than Cross Your Fingers” campaign, featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, shows people how to customize their emergency kits. The “Ready When the Time Comes” program trains employees from corporations and mobilizes them as a community-based volunteer force when disaster strikes. Businesses, organizations and schools can join the Ready Rating™ program and complete a free, online assessment of their current readiness level and receive customized feedback with tips to improve preparedness.

The Red Cross works all year to be prepared to respond when disaster strikes and urges people to get ready too. Being prepared can save lives when disaster strikes. Visit http://www.redcross.org/ to learn more about how to be ready for an emergency.

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Red Cross Partnership with Grainger Gains National Recognition

The Ready When the Time Comes partnership between the American Red Cross and Grainger has been selected as one of five finalists for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) 2011 Partnership Award.

The winner is selected by an online vote open to the public from September 19 through October 28.

The Partnership Award, one of four Corporate Citizenship awards from the BCLC, honors a company and a charitable organization that have exemplified success working together to address an important social issue.

W.W. Grainger Inc. is the founding sponsor of the Ready When the Time Comes program, in which employees of participating companies and organizations are trained as Red Cross disaster volunteers to serve in an emergency.

“Grainger’s expertise in logistics, supply chain and product distribution keeps businesses running and is a crucial asset in times of disaster. It is only logical that the company has partnered with the American Red Cross. Together they are recognized for their work to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters,” said Stephen Jordan, U.S. Chamber BCLC Founder and Executive Director.

“Given that Grainger is the national founding sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready When the Time Comes corporate volunteer program, which has trained nearly 14,000 employees from more than 460 organizations across the country ready to activate in a time of disaster, we are pleased that this business-nonprofit collaboration is a 2011 Best Partnership Award finalist.”
As a result of this program, now in its tenth year, more than 13,000 employees from 460 businesses and organizations in 52 cities have been trained as Red Cross disaster volunteers. Over the past two years, the number of trained volunteers has doubled and the program has been established in all critical disaster zones across the country.

Ready When the Time Comes teams of volunteers from a range of companies have been part of the Red Cross response to disasters this year, such as the deadly tornadoes that wrecked havoc in the South and Midwest, record-setting flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, or Hurricane Irene’s damaging from North Carolina to New England.

More on the Ready When the Time Comes program can be found in this video on the program.

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Getting Prepared is as Easy as 1-2-3

An American flag hangs on an overturned car after the tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, in a photo taken on May 24, 2011 (Photo by Bob Carey/American Red Cross)

This year’s many natural disasters—from tornadoes and floods to hurricanes and wildfires—are a reminder of how important it is to be prepared.

Getting prepared takes just three steps:

1. Get a Kit
At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry container that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multipurpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area

Pressed for time? Check out the ready-made disaster supply kits in the Red Cross store.

2. Make a Plan
Every family should create and practice an evacuation and communications plan. Each person should know how to reach other family members and where to meet if they can’t return home. You should also designate an out-of-area relative or friend as an emergency contact and make sure all household members know how to contact this person.

To make an evacuation plan, choose two meeting places: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Decide where you would go and what route you would take if you had to evacuate. Make sure to also plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of "pet friendly" motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

3. Be Informed
Learning the skills you need to respond in an emergency before help arrives is another important key to being prepared. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Go to Redcross.org to learn more and register for a class.

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American Red Cross Begins Preparations for 2011 Hurricane Season

New Volunteers Encouraged to Join; Existing Assets Being Tested

After one of the most devastating and deadly tornado seasons in the nation’s history, and an ongoing and unprecedented response from the American Red Cross, no chances are being taken as Hurricane Season 2011 begins. In Dallas, the local Red Cross chapter is doing their part to get themselves and the community prepared in advance.

Beginning on Monday, June 13, 2011 and ending on Saturday, June 18, 2011, the Dallas Red Cross will not only be testing their own internal systems, but also encouraging North Texans to join the Disaster Volunteer Reserves program before evacuees head north to Metroplex shelters.

“The Disaster Volunteer Reserves Program is perfect for people with busy schedules,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, chief executive officer, American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter. “Volunteers take about three hours of training to be ready to respond when a large disaster happens such as a hurricane or tornado; something that would exceed the ability of our day-to-day responders to handle. When that catastrophic disaster happens, we’ll call for the Reserves.”

With 16 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes predicted for the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the American Red Cross is encouraging those who have never taken Red Cross training to join the Disaster Volunteer Reserves now. Go to www.redcrossdallas.org/volunteer to fill out an application and enroll in the next Disaster Volunteer Reserve course.

On top of training new volunteers, the Red Cross will also be testing the response time of their existing volunteer pool. On Monday, June 13, 2011, beginning at 10:00a.m. and concluding at 2:00p.m., “Hurricane Alfred”, a fictional storm taking aim at the Texas coast, will provide the scenario background for 15 volunteers who will assemble in the Disaster Command Center at the American Red Cross, 4800 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Tex., and call each pre-trained volunteer with a request for availability. This helps the chapter understand how many volunteers would be available if evacuees needed immediate shelter in North Texas.

Concluding the week of activities, a Hurricane Summit will be conducted at the Red Cross in Dallas on Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Red Cross workers from Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler and surrounding areas will attend. The purpose of the Hurricane Summit is for leadership volunteers to receive a full briefing on the hurricane evacuation process, how to best work with state and federal officials and evaluating the capacity of each Red Cross chapter. Additionally, a Disaster Volunteer Reserve course will be conducted from 9:00a.m.-12:30p.m. All activities will take place at the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter, 4800 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas.

For additional information on Red Cross programs and/or services, go to www.redcrossdallas.org.

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Know the Signs, Know the Difference

Disaster does not discriminate and nobody is immune. That fact has been made painfully clear in less than one month with record setting tornado outbreaks and destruction. Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and now Missouri are just a few of the areas in the Midwest that have experienced such devastation. Rural or urban, a hospital or a barn, it didn’t matter - the storms hit where they hit. And, yes, it can happen here too.

As these storms come into the area, you need to know the warning signs severe thunderstorms and tornadoes sometimes give and the difference between a watch and a warning. This knowledge could be the difference between getting to safety in time and getting caught unprepared.

Watch: Severe weather or tornado is possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect severe weather is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!

Warning: Severe weather or a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately underground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

Tornadoes are deadly and can strike without warning. Keep listening to your weather radio for potential tornado warnings in your area. If a warning is issued for your area, head to a sturdy shelter immediately or if you notice any of the following tornado danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish clouds—a phenomenon caused by hail
• Wall cloud—an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm
• Cloud of debris
• Large hail
• Funnel cloud—a visible rotating extension of the cloud base
• Roaring noise

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least one inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.

Refer to these tips to help you prepare and keep you safe at home, at work and on the road.

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Family, Children, Pets - they all need a plan!

As with any situation, being prepared is the key to survival. You wouldn’t go into a meeting without your presentation, you wouldn’t send your child to school without their school books, and you wouldn’t walk into a final exam without studying. You take such care making sure you and your family prepares for daily life, the same care should be taken to prepare for a disaster.

At home, develop a plan that the whole family knows and practice it regularly. In a tornado or severe weather, everyone needs to know where the safe room is. Practicing this drill is just as important as practicing your fire drill. When making your plan, include the following:

• A safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.
• During a thunderstorm. This safe room should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
• An emergency kit that includes the basic necessities you will need while waiting out the storm such as a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, emergency blanket, and first aid kit.
• A plan for family pets to get them into a safe area. Make sure they have collars or identification on them in case they get out. If they are in the room with you make sure you have food and water for them as well as a leash or kennel to keep them secured.
• Each member of the family should have a list of emergency contacts and one out-of-area contact person should be designated since it may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or programmed into their cell phones.
• A safe meeting place. Not every disaster will happen when you and your family are all together in your home. After a disaster strikes make sure there is a safe meeting place established away from the neighborhood to meet up. Access to your home may be cut off, so you need a familiar place that everyone would be able to get to.

More useful tips and a checklist on what you can do to build a plan for your home and pets can be found at www.redcross.org.

Helpful Checklists from RedCross.org

• Thunderstorms (PDF)
• Tornadoes (PDF)
• Pet Safety (PDF)

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Workplace Preparedness – planning means your home away from home too!

You have your disaster preparedness plan at home and you practice it regularly with your family. Your weather radio, your emergency kit and your safe room are all ready to go. But think about the number of hours you are away from home every single day either at work or school or driving to and from work, school or errands. You may know how to take care of yourself when you’re at home, but did you ever make a plan for these situations?

The tornado that ripped through Joplin, Mo. on Sunday occurred before 5:00 p.m. In Alabama, it was about 3:00 p.m. when some of the deadliest tornadoes struck that state. If you only plan for home, you are only planning for half of the time you could be caught in a disaster.

Severe weather tips at work:

• Know your emergency plan at your place of work. You should know the safe shelter area for your office and the safest route to get to it from any area in the building.
• Your workplace should have someone designated to call for emergency services, coordinate moving people to safe areas, and to take a headcount of all employees. Be sure everyone knows who to turn to in emergency situations.
• Emergency kits should be positioned based on the layout of your building and locations of safe rooms. All kits should include basic necessities such as a weather radios, flashlights, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, and first aid kits.
• Get training so that at least one person (depending on the number of people in your office) has current CPR certification and First Aid training. All employees should know the person or persons to contact to respond for CPR and First Aid needs.

Severe weather on the road:

• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
• Do not park under overpasses during severe weather. It can make you harder to see and someone could easily crash into your vehicle. In a tornado, an underpass is one of the most dangerous places you can be.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
• Keep all emergency contact information on you at all times including local police and fire, your family, and your out-of-town family contact from your family communication plan.
• In case roads are closed or inaccessible, take time now to learn alternate routes and ways to get where you need to go. There are often multiple ways to reach a destination.
• Keep a local map with you in case you need to walk or take another form of transportation.
• While commuting, carry with you a small flashlight, dust mask and a pair of protective gloves. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, emergency blanket, and first aid kit and emergency signals such as flares or a signaling flag.

More information is available at www.redcross.org for tips on workplace, school and commuter safety. Plan now to get employees trained in First Aid and CPR before a disaster by registering them for a class at your local Red Cross chapter.

Helpful Resources on RedCross.org

• Prepare Your Workplace and Employees
• Commuter Safety
• Train Your Employees (First Aid & CPR info)

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Japan Was Prepared, Are We?

The unthinkable happens.
As the earthquake rocked the shores of Japan, its people - including elderly, children and the vulnerable - only had a few minutes to evacuate before the large tsunami hit. Within this short time-span, many lives were lost and much property was irrevocably damaged.

The best laid plans.
This massive earthquake followed by a tsunami is something that even the most prepared country in the world did not expect. It is well-known that Japan has in place early-warning systems, strict building codes, and citizens that are heavily-versed in escape routes. Even with all this, Japan is still suffering after-effects of unimaginable proportions.

Let us take heed.
As the Japanese experience proved, even the best thought-out plans do not unfold as expected. What are our plans? Are we ready for a mega-disaster? Perhaps it is time for us to prepare.

Related Links

• With severe weather in the forecast, make a plan
• Tsunami Relief telethon
• Locating loved ones in Japan

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So What's in Your Disaster Kit?

We want to see what you keep in your disaster supply kit! We keep Dallas Cowboys plasticware in ours. No reason to forget about America's team, even in a disaster!

Pop on over to our Facebook page and post a photo of the oddest, funniest or most useful thing you keep in your kit. The photo with the most "likes" by midnight on March 11 will receive a special gift from us in honor of "March is Red Cross Month".

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With Severe Weather in the Forecast, Red Cross Urges North Texans to Make a Plan and Build a Kit Now

The irony that it’s National Severe Weather Awareness Week isn’t lost on anyone looking at tomorrow’s North Texas weather forecast. The calendar may still read February, but Mother Nature is already preparing to fire things up. That’s why the Red Cross is urging all North Texans to assemble disaster supply kits and make plans now.

The following are procedures you should follow in order to prepare your family for tornadoes:

• Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado, windstorm or major hail storm. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Unfortunately, many residents in the Metroplex do not have basements, therefore an interior hallway or room on the lowest floor is the best choice. Putting as many walls between you and the outside will provide additional protection. Also make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.
  
  
• Get out of your mobile home and choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. Mobile homes are much more vulnerable to strong winds than site-built structures. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your family's safe place.
  
  
• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately. Find a sturdy nearby structure and take shelter. If there is no building nearby, go to a low-lying area until the storm passes. Taking cover under bridges is not recommended.
  
  
• If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Center hallways are often structurally the most reinforced part of a building.
  
  
• Check with your work and your children's schools and day care centers to learn tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.
  
  
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. This kit should be kept near your safe room, whether at home, work or school, and should contain supplies such as bottled water, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, an AM/FM or NOAA Weather radio and additional important items.
  
  
• Conduct periodic tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching. Practice having everyone in the family go to your designated area in response to a tornado threat. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking time during an actual emergency situation.
  
  
• Discuss tornadoes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during a tornado.
  
  
• Log on to www.redcross.org to download free tips on getting prepared for severe weather.
  
  
• Take an online “Be Red Cross Ready” course. This 15-minute interactive course will ensure that you’ve got everything you need on-hand before the storm hits. To find the course, go to www.redcross.org/beredcrossready.

In the event that severe weather does impact the North Texas area, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter will be ready to respond. Real-time updates for any responses can be found by following @RedCrossDallas on Twitter.

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Red Cross Readies for National Severe Weather Awareness Week

Once again, it's time to think spring! Along with thoughts of pretty flowers and warmer temperatures, we also need to be thinking about Spring Storm Season! During National Severe Weather Awareness Week, pledge to take action to prepare your family. Follow the quick tips in this video, and then go to www.redcross.org for more customized ideas!

From all of us at the American Red Cross, we wish you a happy and safe spring season!

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Hermine Reminds Us that Preparedness Is Crutial

Last week many North Texas residents could have taken a boat to work rather than a car. The tornadoes and flash flooding that struck Dallas and surrounding counties was what some called the wrath of Tropical Storm Hermine that brought inches of rain and strong winds to our cities.


Check out this video captured by a Red Cross Volunteer who was a first responder during last week’s storms in a neighborhood hit hard by a tornado. It’s a good reminder that our lives can change in an instant. We must be prepared and educated on how to avoid what could be a fatal disaster.

For more information on tornado preparedness, visit www.redcross.org and click on the Preparedness and Getting Trained tab. To make a donation to support those affected by the recent storms and others, text REDCROSS to 90999 and donate $10.

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