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High Winds

NEWS RELEASE

Date:       February 16, 2006

Contact:   Judith A. Rucki, APR

Phone:    (716) 878-2368 Fax: (716) 878-2389

AMERICAN RED CROSS URGES PREPARATION FOR STRONG WINDS,

POSSIBLE FLOODING

Buffalo, N.Y. – With strong winds expected to sweep through the area, the American Red Cross reminds people to prepare for the possibility of flooding, power outages and wind damage.

Prepare for High Winds:

* Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.

* Install pre-cut plywood to cover windows, and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors.

* Strengthen garage doors and un-reinforced masonry.

* Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs.

During the storm, draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

Flood Safety:

* Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Dips, low spots, etc., can become filled with water.

* If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there. Move away from dangerous flood waters.

* If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

What to do if you are driving during a flood:

* Avoid already flooded areas, and areas subject to sudden flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. Rapidly rising water may stall the engine, engulf the vehicle and its occupants, and sweep them away. Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

* If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around and find another route. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. If your route is blocked by flood waters or barricades, find another route. Barricades are put up by local officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving around them can be a serious risk.

* If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water or the engine stalls, and if you can safely get out, abandon your vehicle immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles. When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car. The lateral force of a foot of water moving at 10 miles per hour is about 500 pounds on the average automobile.

The greatest effect is buoyancy--for every foot that water rises up the side of a car, it displaces 1,500 pounds of the car's weight. So, two feet of water moving at 10 miles per hour will float virtually any car. Many persons have been swept away by flood waters upon leaving their vehicles, which are later found without much damage. Use caution when abandoning your vehicle, and look for an opportunity to move away quickly and safely to higher ground.

Be prepared for a potential power outage:

* Assemble essential supplies, including: flashlight, batteries, portable radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food.

* Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.

* If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one for expansion. They will help keep food fresh in your refrigerator/freezer.

* If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.

Top safety tips for a power outage:

* Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!

* Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.

* Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.

* Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.

* Leave one light on so you know when the power comes back on.

* Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information – only call to report a life-threatening emergency.

Heeding Storm Warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. 

For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness, go online to www.redcross.org. We urge you to share Red Cross preparedness tips with every member of your household, because when we prepare together, we can save a life.

The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross prepares for and responds to community disasters and emergencies and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the contributions of 1,000 volunteers to provide its emergency service and health education programs.