News Flash

The National Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Hilary could bring multiple inches of rain to the southwestern states, possibly weakening to a tropical storm as it hits Southern California. Hilary could also cause landslides, especially in areas where wildfires recently burned, as well as high surf along south and southeast-facing beaches. The American Red Cross is standing by to help if needed and urges people in the area to take the situation seriously and get ready now. Please see some safety tips below from the Red Cross.

Before the Storm Hits: 

• First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. Make sure to include your pets as part of your emergency plan. 
• 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 infants or pets, 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. 
• Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channel for the latest updates. 
• Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies.  
  • Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. 
  • 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. 

Evacuation Safety Tips:

You may have to leave your home quickly to stay safe. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Have different escape routes from your home and community.  

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Listen to local media for updated emergency information and sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.   
• Back your car into the garage or park it outside in the direction of your evacuation route.  
• Confine pets to one room so you can quickly grab them and go if you need to evacuate.  
• If time allows, check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Make sure you include a mask and hand sanitizer with your kit. Keep it in the car.   

When you evacuate or head to a shelter, remember to bring:   

• Special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.  
• Items for pets, including a leash, pet medications and pet food  
• Prescription medications and medical devices you may need 
• Comfort items like personal hygiene items and pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter.  

Don’t wait – evacuate: if you feel threatened or unsafe, you can choose to evacuate at any time. If you receive an official evacuation order, heed the orders of local authorities, and follow instructions.   

• It’s critical to listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so.  
  • We encourage safety and being out of harm’s way above all. Know the difference between a watch and a warning.  
  • A watch means conditions are likely and to stay alert — a warning means act now. 
  • Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for safety information and weather alerts right at your fingertips. The app is available in English and Spanish. 

Flooding Safety:

• Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.   
• Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.  
• 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.   
• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.  
• 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.  
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company.  
• If any gas or electrical appliances were flooded, don’t use them until they have been checked for safety.  
• Dispose of any food that has come into contact with flood water.  
• Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.