Press Release
Red Cross of the Western Carolinas Region
American Red Cross of the Western Carolinas is urging residents of the Upstate and western North Carolina to verify their inventories of critical supplies and to review contingency plans in the event of a prolonged power outage or dangerous travel conditions.
Essential items include at least one gallon of water per person/per day, non-perishable food and easy-to-prepare items, a flashlight and battery-operated radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, medications (7 day supply) and extra cash. If you must travel during inclement weather keep your gas tank full and carry blankets, water and snacks with you.
In the event of a power outage, never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
Red Cross of the Western Carolinas is collaborating with key partners and government agencies and is prepared to establish shelters in the event of long-duration power outages and weather conditions that could strand motorists. To find a Red Cross shelter near you go to: http://app.redcross.org/nss-app/. Shelter locations will also be provided to local radio stations so be sure to have access to a battery-operated radio.
The Red Cross Incident Management Team, comprised primarily of trained volunteers, is currently pre-staging equipment and supplies in strategic locations across the 27 counties served by the Western Carolinas Region. Much of this ability to respond is a result of extensive planning and pre-disaster preparedness efforts which includes volunteer recruitment and training.
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