As you may be aware, Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac is expected to make landfall in several states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the western parts of Florida within the next 48 hours. .
The AADB Board of Directors put together some information that covers the latest on the hurricane and includes helpful information on where people can look for help and prepare for an emergency. Please pass this on to anyone who can use this information, especially other deaf-blind people.
This information can also be used by other people who may experience a disaster of any kind, not just people impacted by a hurricane. We hope this will be useful for all.
Please pass this on to other people who can benefit from this information.
Thanks for your help!
The AADB Board
THE LATEST INFORMATION ON HURRICANE ISAAC (August 27, 2012)
Red Cross Responding To Isaac Across Several States
SOURCE American Red Cross
Shelters Opening Today in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross is preparing for what could be a large disaster response spanning multiple states and is already starting to help the millions of people whose communities are under warnings from Tropical Storm Isaac.
Red Cross disaster workers are responding throughout the Gulf region, providing shelter and help in Florida and preparing to open evacuation shelters in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
As of Monday, August 27, the Red Cross:
· Deployed more than 1,500 disaster workers across the Gulf Coast to help with Red Cross efforts.
· Sheltered hundreds of people Sunday night in Florida. More than 560 people spent Sunday night in Red Cross and community shelters after Isaac brought heavy rain, power outages and flooding. Overall, the Red Cross opened 22 shelters and supported 20 community shelters overnight.
· Put dozens of shelters on stand-by along the Gulf, where evacuations have already been ordered in some area. Shelters are likely to open in the area throughout the day.
· Sent mobile kitchens and truckloads of relief supplies to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. More than 50 pre-positioned support trailers are ready with supplies.
· Activated more than 150 emergency response vehicles (ERVs) in those states and from around the country to help.
· Continued to help in Florida where flooding continues. Red Cross disaster workers will continue to help those affected by opening shelters, providing meals and distributing relief supplies like personal hygiene and clean-up items.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD DO
People who may be in the path of Isaac should stay informed about the storm and leave the area if authorities direct them to do so.
· If someone needs to find a shelter, they can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter , call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check their local television, radio and newspaper. The free Hurricane App features a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. It can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.
· The Red Cross Safe and Well website is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.
· People should restock their disaster supplies, and fill their vehicle's gas tank. They should also get ready to bring anything inside that can be picked up by the wind such as lawn furniture and bicycles. Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don't have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Tropical Storm Isaac is predicted to trigger a large and prolonged disaster response with major flooding across several states. People can call, click or text to donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Watch Hurricane Isaac update from Miami-Dade County, Florida -- ASL interpreter provided
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg5X6IGMdcw
Note: text is also provided below-
Officials in Miami are urging residents and tourists not to take tropical Storm Isaac lightly. They say the time to prepare is now.
Mayor Carlos Gimenez: “As you know, the National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning update for Florida. South of Olmstead and a hurricane watch for the rest of Miami Dade County.
We therefore urge all residents and businesses to closely monitor the storm and complete their personal hurricane preparations.
Given its current track, tropical storm force winds from Isaac are expected to begin impacting South Florida as early as tomorrow morning.
I am therefore asking that you listen to the following recommendations:
Make sure you gather your hurricane supplies now if you have not already done so.
- You should have three days worth of supplies such as non-perishable food, water, for each person in the household.
- You should begin putting up your shutters now. Even tropical storms can cause significant damage. You shouldn’t wait until the last moment to protect your home.”
Links to refer to for information on how to prepare for emergencies and find assistance:
Find open shelters:
http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter
Register or Search the Safe and Well Listings
http://www.redcross.org/find-help/contact-family/register-safe-listing
Find your Local Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter
HOW PEOPLE CAN PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
Emergency Preparedness List- By Elizabeth Spiers
Building an Emergency Kit: Checklist
General Emergency Kit Items:
· Water: amounts will vary. Individuals should decide what amount they should store comfortably inside the home and be able to transport to other locations. They should have enough water for three to seven days.
· Food: at least a three-to seven-day supply of non-perishable food
· Flashlight and extra batteries
· First aid kit
· Whistle to signal for help
· Dust mask, bandanna or cotton t-shirt to help filter air
· Moist towelette for sanitation
· Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
· Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
· Plastic sheeting and duct tape: to shelter in place
· Unique family needs: prescription medications, glasses or contact lenses, infant formula or diapers, pet food/supplies, and important family documents
· Plastic for important family documents (Another option is to scan them on a CD and take the disk with you. You can protect this CD with a password. Keep important family documents in a safe deposit box at your bank.)
· Garbage bags and plastic ties: for personal sanitation
· Extra pair of socks
· Extra cash and credit cards
Items Specifically for Deaf-Blind People:
· Hearing aid or cochlear implant batteries
· Extra hearing aids (if you have them)
· Sunglasses
· Extra pair of glasses and/or other optical aids
· Mobility cane (extra pair if you need/have one)
· Batteries and charger for pagers or cell phones
· Note pad and pen for communication (have dark felt tip pen and high contrast paper handy if you use them)
· Communication cards describing the best way to communicate with you
· Braille communication cards (if you use them)
· Business cards of SSPs, interpreters, service agencies
· Food, water and medicine for guide dogs or other service animals or pets
Source: General Emergency Kit Items: Modified with permission from Christine Seymour, CEPIN/TDI, “Are You Ready?” September 2005, Page 4.
Source: Items Specific for Deaf-Blind People, Mary Polly Easley, Telecommunications Access of North Carolina, North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Hurricane Safety Checklist
- from the American Red Cross
Hurricanes are strong storms that cause life- and property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes.
Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane.
What should I do?
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
- Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
- Fill your car’s gas tank.
- Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
- Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
- Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.
What supplies do I need?
- Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Multi-purpose 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
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera for photos of damage
What do I do after a hurricane?
- Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
- Stay out of any building that has water around it.
- Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
- Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
- Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Let Your Family Know You’re Safe
If your community has experienced a hurricane, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Website available through RedCross.org/SafeandWell to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.
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