A coastal storm could bring heavy rainfall and the threat of flash flooding to the Northeast over the weekend. Serious flash flooding could occur from New York to Boston.
If the storm pushes inland, communities in the lower Hudson Valley and across eastern Pennsylvania could also face a flooding threat. Because much of the ground in the region is saturated from previous storms, just a small amount of rain could cause flash flooding. The American Red Cross is monitoring the storm and preparing to respond if necessary.
People in the region should take these steps to get your household ready:
Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you have to evacuate. Don’t forget your pets. If you already have an emergency plan, update it and review with family members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.
Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant and pets if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. If you already have a disaster kit, make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.
Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
Download the free Emergency app for instant access to full weather alerts, help preparing for emergency situations and open Red Cross shelter locations. Find all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
More information is available here.
FLOODING SAFETY
Turn around, don’t drown.
If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary.
Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe to do so. Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
Head for higher ground and stay there.
Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger.
Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
Offer help to people who require special assistance including older adults, those without transportation, large families, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.
Due to the climate crisis, experts report that extreme rainfall is becoming more common and more intense as a warmer atmosphere “holds” more moisture. More than 14.6 million properties in the U.S. face a risk of flooding. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis at redcross.org/climate.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
