IEEE MOVE has been called out in response to Tropical Storm Barry. The Red Cross is working with partners to mobilize trained volunteers, shelters, relief supplies, vehicles and other equipment to help people along the Gulf Coast. As the storm passes, the Red Cross is preparing to provide shelter for thousands of people until they can return home or find other places to stay.

Please respond to mailto:move@ieeeusa.org know if you are available for a 1-2 week deployment, if called. It helps if you have a Red Cross number already issued. Please refer any questions to that email address.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Red Cross works 24/7 to be ready to respond to disasters of all sizes. Help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Please click, text or call to donate to the Red Cross to help people affected by disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED

Barry is predicted to make landfall on the Louisiana coast tonight or Saturday, moving into the lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday. Close to two feet of rain could swamp the region, already soggy from storms earlier this week. Another threat is the Mississippi River which is usually at about eight feet at this time of year and is more than 15 feet high.

People should know the difference between a watch and warning. A watch means that a flood or flash flood is possible in your area, while a warning means that flooding/flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

If you are in the path of this storm, be prepared to evacuate. Leave the area if local officials tell you to do so. Don’t return home until officials say it is safe. Stay informed – tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates. Flooding is almost certain to occur, and people can follow these safety steps:

• Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• Be prepared to evacuate quickly if directed and know your routes and destinations. If someone needs to find a shelter they can call 2-1-1 or visit redcross.org/shelter.
• Pack your emergency kit. Include a gallon of water per person, per day – 3 days for evacuation, 2-week supply for home. Also pack a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery or hand crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, medications, sanitation and personal hygiene items, cell phone with charger, family and emergency contact information, extra cash, a map of the area and items for babies, anyone with special needs and your pets.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued.
• Keep insurance policies, valuables and other important documents in a safe deposit box or a safe place not likely to be damaged in a flood. Take pictures and keep copies of important documents and files on a flash drive that you can carry with you.
• Don’t forget your pets. Prepare a pet emergency kit for your companion animals.

During a Flood

• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Evacuate if directed. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
• Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage.
• Avoid already flooded areas and areas that are subject to sudden flooding such as dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc. Stay away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing streams or water covered roads.
• If caught in a flash flood, try to get to higher ground and stay there. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.
• Turn around and find another route if you come upon floodwater, rapidly rising water or barricades.
• Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water. It may be contaminated with sewage.

More information, including a flood safety checklist in several languages, is available here.

DOWNLOAD APPS People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. How to handle certain medical situations and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps. The content in these apps is available to view in Spanish.

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