March 1, 2007 - Flooding potential is on the increase as communities around the Northeast thaw out from the February’s massive snowfalls. That’s why the American Red Cross urges individuals and families to take proactive safety steps now.

“Basic information and a few simple procedures can make all the difference in keeping you out of harm’s way,” according to Nancy Blaschak, the Greater Buffalo Chapter’s executive director. “Water can rise fast. The better prepared you are, the safer you’ll be.”

Follow these American Red Cross Flood Safety Tips:

· BUILD A KIT with water, non-perishable, ready to eat food, radio, flashlight (and extra batteries for both), a first aid kit and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.

· MAKE A PLAN so you know where to go if you need to evacuate. Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your loved ones by choosing an out-of-town contact that each person can contact should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well web site, accessible through www.redcross.org.

· STAY INFORMED: KNOW WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING TO OCCUR

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issuedor if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly! Move to higher ground. Do not drive around barricades. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. If you experience flooding and need help, call your local authorities immediately.

The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through almost 815 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Some 4 million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 181 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.