MOBILE, Ala., August 22, 2011 — The American National Red Cross is watching Hurricane Irene closely and making sure supplies and volunteers are pre-positioned so that we can respond immediately.

While Irene may not pose a direct threat to the Alabama Gulf Coast, it’s important for our community to take simple steps now that can save lives if our region is threatened by a hurricane in the future. Areas further inland can also be impacted by hurricanes, so residents should still take time to get prepared now. The American Red Cross recommends the following steps.

• Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a first aid kit, essential medications, foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration, manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Create and practice a Hurricane Plan: Planning and practicing an 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, and make plans for your pets.
• Stay informed about the threat(s) to your area: Listen to radio and TV stations for updated information.  A Hurricane WATCH means hurricane conditions could threaten within 36 hours. A Hurricane WARNING means hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.

Click the link below for a downloadable tip-sheet for more information about how to Be Red Cross Ready
for disasters of all kinds.
http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Be_Red_Cross_Ready.pdf

For more information, contact the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross at (251) 544-6100 or www.redcrossalcoast.org.

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter:
Since 1917, the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter has been upholding the American Red Cross mission of providing relief to victims of disaster and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies in Mobile, Baldwin, Clarke, Monroe, and West Escambia Counties. The American Red Cross is a volunteer organization supported by the donations of the people in our community. The American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter is a United Way Partner Agency. Verizon Wireless is the official wireless provider for the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter.