Washington, DC - Hurricane Michael is predicted to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast by mid-week with the risk of heavy rain, strong winds and a dangerous storm surge. The American Red Cross is preparing to respond if necessary and urges anyone in the path of this hurricane to get ready too.
Michael is also expected to bring rain to parts of Georgia and the Carolinas which are still recovering from Hurricane Florence.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF FACING THIS STORM
People in Michael’s path should stay informed and take steps to get prepared now. Listen to local radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates and obey any evacuation orders from local officials.
The Red Cross urges these steps:
- Build a disaster kit that contains supplies for about three days, to include a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications and copies of important documents. Other recommended items are available at redcross.org/kit. Remember items for young children such as diapers, and family members with special medical needs.
- Come up with an emergency plan. Learn your community’s evacuation plan and identify several posted routes to leave the area. Identify a place you will go in the event of an evacuation (friend, relative, shelter). Register family members with medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
- Your household may not be together when a hurricane occurs, so it is important to know how to contact one another and how to get back together. Ensure that every member of your household carries an updated emergency contact card.
- Remember, landline and cellular phone systems are often overwhelmed following a disaster, so you may need to use text messages and social media.
- Designate an out-of-town contact who can help your household reconnect.
- Be informed about how local authorities will notify you, whether through local media or NOAA Weather Radio stations or channels.
You should also download the free Red Cross Emergency App to have real time information about the storm, shelter locations and hurricane safety tips at your fingertips. The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
You can find more hurricane safety information here.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Red Cross works 24/7 to be ready to respond to disasters such as hurricanes. Please donate to the Red Cross now to help. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
