Thursday, October 6, 2016

Capital Area Florida Red Cross News Release


Tallahassee, FL  October 6, 2016  As Hurricane Matthew approaches the State of Florida, we ask each of you to make every effort to be prepared.   Please download the free Red Cross Emergency app on you smart phone so you have information and alerts at your fingertips.  It will walk you through the steps you need to take to be prepared for flooding, tornado's, tropical storms, power outages, etc.  It will help you know what you need to do before, during and after the storm.  You can also visit our website for preparedness information at www.redcross.org/fl/tallahassee.

The National Red Cross Hurricane Leadership Team is here in Tallahassee at the Chapter managing our efforts here in Florida.  There are hundreds of Red Cross workers in Florida as of Thursday morning with more arriving hourly.  We are actively recruiting local event-base volunteers to support State-wide operations.  Please visit our website at www.redcross.org if you are interested in volunteering.

There are close to 100 shelters opened throughout the state for those that have evacuated and we are opening two this afternoon in our area at 4:00 p.m.  The shelters will be located at Northwood Baptist Church 3762 Capital Circle NW Tallahassee, FL 32303  and New Testament Christian Center at 2558 US-90 Madison, FL 32340.  If you or your family or friends need shelter please share the information below with them.

Families and individuals are advised to bring along basic emergency and personal items that will be needed in the shelter. If you plan to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, you may need these personal supplies:
  • Bedding: Everyone occupying a shelter must bring their own sheets, blankets and pillows. If you have camping cots or inflatable mattresses, you are encouraged to bring them, as growing shelter populations will shorten cot supply.
  • Special needs foods, snacks:  Shelter occupants who have special dietary needs must bring those foods. Shelters will provide cooked meals but no prescriptive foods. You are also encouraged to bring snacks.
  • Important documents: Copies of medical records, insurance information, deeds or leases, birth certificates and utility bills showing address are important to have on hand. They are not required but would be helpful in the event of an emergency.
  • Personal hygiene items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, soaps and lotions must be provided by the individual.
  • Medications: Bring any prescriptions or medications you need.
  • Entertainment: Families are advised to bring games, books or toys that can occupy or calm kids.
If you have any questions or need storm related assistance, please contact us at 850-878-6080.

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