Tropical Storm Ophelia will soon hit the metro region. Forecasters are predicting a healthy dose of rain of up to four inches that could blanket the area on Saturday, plus strong winds gusting up to 50 miles an hour. The storm could knock down trees and power lines and cause major flooding. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency Friday in preparation for the storm.
The Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake region also is getting ready to respond to the storm. Members have reached out to city and town managers, other leaders in the area, and Maryland’s Emergency Management Office to offer their assistance.
The agency is ready to mobilize especially if the storm forces evacuations. It is prepared to support any emergency shelters that governments may set up by providing cots, blankets, and food.
Getting Ready Ahead Of Storm
The Red Cross is urging people to prepare in three key ways: get an emergency kit together, make a plan in case a person must evacuate his or her home, and stay informed of weather reports.
An emergency kit should contain the following items, however it may differ depending on a family’s specific needs:
- Batteries
- Phone chargers
- Flashlights
- Snacks and water
- First aid kits
- Any needed medicines
- Blankets
The Red Cross says pet owners also should prepare. They should gather enough food, medicine if needed, and other supplies for their pet.
Families with babies should have extra baby formula on hand.
Have Plans In Place
The Red Cross urges people to have a plan in place in case the storm gets so bad that people must evacuate. The agency says people should think ahead where they would go and whom they would call in case of an emergency.
The same is true for pet owners. If pet owners must evacuate, they need to make sure the place they end up is pet friendly.
The Red Cross also recommends people fill up their gas tank and have some cash on hand, especially if there are power outages. Credit card machines may not work.
Stay Informed
The agency also says people should stay informed, and keep their eye on any potential weather alerts. Meantime, the Red Cross suggests people follow local leaders’ advice when it comes to travel.
The pending storm comes as the Red Cross marks National Preparedness Month. Back in 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated September as National Preparedness Month. The agency wanted to shine a spotlight on the issue and urge people to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and schools.
More Information
To learn more about preparing for a storm, and getting the supplies you need, go to:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
