The American Red Cross is preparing to respond today if severe weather forecast for the afternoon creates a need, said Marion/Morrow Red Cross Chapters director, Michael Vance.
“We have reached out to our volunteers asking them to keep an eye on the weather and to let us know their availability in the event we need their help later today and tomorrow,” Vance said. “We ask them first to be prepared for their own safety so that they can be ready to help others.”
Vance said the Red Cross would be monitoring the situation throughout the day and would, if needed, coordinate any activity with state emergency planners and be ready to help local communities. “If there is a need for us to help with possible sheltering or distribution of supplies, we will have our team ready.”
Today’s forecast includes the potential for strong winds beginning around 3:00 p.m. and lasting through the evening. Vance said central Ohio residents should prepare ahead of the weather to avoid problems later.
“Take in outdoor furniture that could be damaged or could cause damaged in high winds,” Vance advised. “Be sure you know where your flashlight and portable radio are, and have fresh batteries. And make sure your cell phone is fully charged in the event you need to communicate in a power outage.”
If storms do materialize, Vance urged people to seek shelter and keep tuned to local media for information. “If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. At the first sound of thunder, seek shelter indoors. Open-sided shelters are not adequate protection. Stay away from windows during severe storms. And don’t bathe, shower or use plumbing during electrical storms.”
If the storms bring flooding or power outages, Vance had additional advice. “Don’t drive through standing water. It can hide hazards such as washed-out roads or dangerous debris. If you see downed power lines anywhere, STAY CLEAR! Assume those lines are live and dangerous.”
More information about severe weather safety and other preparedness tips are available at www.redcross.org or by clicking here. The Red Cross also offers a free First Aid and preparedness information app for iPhone or Android smartphones. It is available for download by visiting www.redcross.org/firstaidapp.
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