To help victims of this and other disasters, make a donation online

Red Cross responds to other disasters in the community

April 30, 2002
DISASTER RELIEF POURS INTO SOUTHERN MARYLAND

American Red Cross Family Service Outreach teams are in Hughesville and Benedict, towns in Southern Maryland hardest hit by Sunday’s tornadoes, to help displaced families with mental health counseling, vouchers for food, clothing, household furnishings and referrals for relocation and other needs.

Those affected by the tornado can call the Red Cross Emergency Services Department at 410-764-4627.

Over 80 Red Cross volunteers are providing disaster relief in the tornado-ravaged areas in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s and Dorchester counties. The Red Cross is providing assistance to over 200 families whose homes were destroyed or damaged.

Red Cross disaster relief volunteers were on the scene immediately providing food, clothing, emergency medication and emotional support, and they are working with affected families to provide for other emergency needs including furniture, household items, and more.  A shelter, currently housing more than 30 residents has been set up at Thomas Stone High School in LaPlata. 

Preliminary assessments indicate that 346 homes were affected and that approximately $231,500 will be needed to provide immediate assistance to people affected by the tornadoes.

• To help victims of this and other disasters, donate online
• Learn how to prepare for a tornado
  

These storms signal the beginning of a destructive and deadly spring tornado season and the Red Cross is urging families in tornado-prone communities to follow some simple preparedness tips that can save lives.

The Red Cross recommends that families prepare for tornado season using the following safety tips:

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit: (http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/supplies.html) Prepare a disaster supplies kit containing a first aid kit and essential medications, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, canned food and manual can opener, bottled water for each family member.

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan:

• Pick a place where family members can gather, away from windows.  It could be a basement or a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.  Keep this area uncluttered.
• If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. 
• Share this plan with all family members, and practice twice a year.

When a storm threatens:
(see also Storm Warning)

• Listen for storm warnings on your local TV and radio stations and follow advisories.
• If outside, try to get inside a sturdy building.  If a building is not available, crouch in a ditch or low-lying area that is not subject to flooding. 
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head to safety.

(Contrary to folklore, it is not safe to get underneath a highway overpass.)

Reduce high wind damage to your home:

• Consult with a professional about ways to reduce potential damage to your roof and garage doors.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
• Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trashcans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.

Prepare your Business:

• Have a disaster supplies kit on hand, including a NOAA weather radio with a tone alert feature.  Keep it on and when the signal sounds, listen for information about severe weather and protective actions to take.
• Back up computer data frequently and keep a backup tape off site.
• Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery backup systems.
• Consult with your insurance agent about precautions to take for disasters that may directly impact your business including business continuity insurance.
• Keep phone lists of your key employees and customers with you, and provide lists to key employees.
• Arrange to programmable call forwarding for your main business line (s).
• Then, if you can’t get to the office, you can call in and reprogram the phones to ring elsewhere.

And remember . . . when a tornado, flood, earthquake, fire, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood. Donate online today.