The American Red Cross is supporting the community in a number of ways as the threat of severe weather sweeps across the region.
The Red Cross is coordinating with elected officials, emergency mangers and community partners to assist with preparations for severe winter weather by providing material support for warming centers and shelters as requested. Material support may consist of cots, blankets, shelter training services, and volunteers.
“There are a lot of volunteers working very hard to ensure people stay safe in this extraordinary weather,” said David Luna, Executive Director, American Red Cross of South Texas. “We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can plan, pre-stage and prepare to help communities.”
STAY SAFEWith more severe weather predicted through the weekend, the Red Cross recommends these steps to keep you and your family safe:
Be sure you’re Red Cross Ready. That means:
- Keepall potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces
- Turn offspace heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home
- Testbatteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Stay offthe road if possible, during severe weather. If you must drive in winter weather don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on icy roadways
- Educateyour family on how to use the Safe and Well website
- Bringpets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water
- Downloadthe Emergency App from you mobile app store or by visitingredcross.org/apps
We urge you to share these Red Cross preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.
FOR MORE UPDATESFollow the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast on Twitter and Facebook @RedCrossTXGC. You can also visithttps://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.htmlor call 1-800-REDCROSS
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitredcross.orgorcruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at@RedCross.