Isaac Threatens Caribbean and Florida

Tropical Storm Isaac is threatening parts of the Caribbean, including Haiti, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and could affect southern Florida early next week. Isaac could bring strong winds gusting as high as 75 mph and 4 to 8 inches of rain. The American Red Cross is helping prepare individuals and communities in the path of the storm, while taking steps to respond in Florida if needed.

In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Red Cross is working with government officials to identify shelters, get supplies ready and mobilize disaster workers. The Red Cross works all year long to support disaster preparedness and response activities in Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean, including early warning systems, secure roofs, better drainage, and clear evacuation routes.

In Florida, the Red Cross is identifying available shelters, assembling disaster teams, and coordinating with government and community partners like the Southern Baptist Convention and NAACP. Preparations occur all year long for storms like Isaac. For example, more than 50 trailers with supplies to support hundreds of people each are pre-positioned along the Gulf and East coasts in preparation for hurricane season. Each trailer is stocked with cots, blankets and comfort kits. Kitchen trailers are also prepositioned with items on board like beverage containers, food carriers and ice chests.

Those who may be in the path of the storm can download the new free Red Cross Hurricane App which puts real time information on hurricane safety at someone’s fingertips. The app features information on Red Cross shelters and a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The one-touch “I’m Safe” button lets someone use social media outlets to let family and friends know they are okay. People across the country planning to travel to areas predicted to get hit with the storm can use the app to receive weather alerts. The Hurricane App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

People who may be in the path of the storm should get prepared now by finalizing hurricane plans and updating their emergency supply kits. Emergency kits should contain a three-day supply of water for each person, along with food that doesn’t require refrigeration, flashlights, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit. A full list of suggested items is available on this web site. If anyone would like to help, they can make a donation by visitingwww.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.