Changes to American Red Cross Policy Regarding Tornado Safety

If you are caught outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a car when a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a basement, tornado shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot get to shelter, the American Red Cross now suggests doing the following.
Get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path of the tornado.
If strong winds and flying debris occur while you are driving, pull over and park, keeping seat belts on and the engine running. Crouch down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket if possible.
If you are unable to get to a building or vehicle, as a last resort, lie in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
Previously the American Red Cross adhered to the National Weather Service’s recommendation that people should lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
However, after careful consideration, the Advisory Council for First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness (ACFASP), an independent panel of health and safety experts that advise the Red Cross, found no scientific evidence to support this long-held tenant.

Red Cross urges tornado preparedness

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Theresa House
Public Relations Representative
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2297 § Cell:804.396-0186Email:houset@usa.redcross.org
http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2008

RICHMOND, Va.—Because tornadoes can sometimes accompany hurricanes, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare for tornadoes by following these safety tips:

Assemble a disaster supplies kit that contains:

• a first aid kit and essential medications
• battery-powered radio
• flashlight and extra batteries
• canned food and manual can opener
• bottled water for each family member

Prepare a home tornado plan:

• Pick a location where family members can gather, away from windows. It can be a basement or center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this area uncluttered.
• If you live in a high-rise building and do not have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
• Share this plan with all family members and practice twice a year.
• When a storm threatens:
  Listen for storm warnings on TV and radio stations and take them seriously.
• If outside, try and get inside a sturdy building. If a building is not available, crouch in a ditch or low-lying area that is not subject to flooding.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head to safety. It is not safe to get underneath a highway overpass.

Reduce high wind damage to your home:

• Consult a professional about ways to reduce potential damage to your roof and garage doors.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs.
• Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that the wind can pick up and make a projectile.

Prepare your business

• Have a disaster supplies kit on hand, including a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert feature. Keep it on and when the signal sounds, listen for information about the weather.
• Back up computer data frequently and keep a back-up off site.
• Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery back-up systems.
• Consult with your insurance agent about precautions to take for disasters that may directly impact your business, including business continuity insurance.
• Keep phone lists of employees and customers with you, and provide list to key employees.
• Arrange for programmable call forwarding for your main business line. Then, if you can’t get to the office, you can call in and reprogram the phones to ring elsewhere.