Red Cross gives tips for staying safe

ALBANY>> Floodwarnings are currently in effect in multiple counties across in Upstate New York, and the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region is urging local residents to take precautions now in order to stay safe if flooding should impact them.

“We urge people to prepare now, before disaster strikes, and to share Red Cross preparedness tips with family and friends,” said Kimmy Venter, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region. “The best protection for unexpected emergencies is to be adequately prepared ahead of time.”

As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. TheRed Cross recommends that people prepare for potential floods by taking the following steps:

• Download the free Red Cross Emergency App: The Emergency App gives you instant access to weather alerts, life-saving information and ways to contact family and friends in an emergency, all from your mobile device. This easy-to-use, all-inclusive app provides expert advice on what to do in case of disasters including floods, tornadoes, fires and more. The free Emergency App is available in app stores for smartphones and tablets by searching for the American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

• Create and practice a household evacuation plan: Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there in the event that you had to evacuate your home. Plan ahead for

your pets, remembering that if it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for your pets either.

• Assemble an emer- gency preparedness kit: Pack a first aid kit and a seven-day supply of essential medications, bottled water, flashlights, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, copies of important documents like insurance policies, cell phone chargers, family and emergency contact information, maps of the area and other emergency items for the whole family.

• Stay informed and heed flood warnings: Listen to local TV and radio stations for updated weather information. A flood/flash flood WATCH means that flooding is possible, while a WARNING means that f looding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. In the event of a warning, take immediate precautions.

For more information, visit redcross.org/prepare.