A storm swirling in the Gulf of Mexico has prompted a tropical storm warning for parts of the Texas coast. This could bring as much as 15 inches of rain, a dangerous storm surge and strong winds to a region already beleaguered by severe weather.
For weeks, the American Red Cross has been helping in Texas after dangerous flooding, tornadoes and a strong derecho devastated different regions of the state. The Red Cross is closely monitoring the storm and is ready to respond if necessary. Anyone in its path should get ready now. Remember, communities hundreds of miles inland can be affected by this weather.
The National Weather Service reports the system could be a tropical storm by Wednesday. If that happens it will be Tropical Storm Alberto. Hurricane safety information is available here.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Make a plan to evacuate and one to shelter safely at home. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans. If you are asked to evacuate, know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you will need help leaving or use public transportation. Mobile homes and RVs are not safe during tropical storms. Make a plan to go to a safer location. If you can stay home, be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone and internet for a week or longer.
To stay informed with critical information, sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, and make sure you know what different types of alerts mean. A WATCH means be prepared, and a WARNING means take action.
IF THE POWER GOES OUT: Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Leave one light on so you’ll know when power is restored. Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns — not candles — to avoid fires. Decide if you need to stay or go if your home is too hot or cold, or if you have medical devices that need power.
To prevent illness, keep food cold: Eat fresh, perishable foods first. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.
If you’re using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions: Operate the generator on a dry surface and don’t touch a generator with wet hands. Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire. Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep the generator outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away.
FLOODING SAFETY Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to 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.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts and safety steps for different emergencies in both English or Spanish. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
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.
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