Triangle Red Cross Provides Comfort for Flood Victims, Urges Vigilance through this Weekend

 Triangle Red Cross Provides Comfort for Flood Victims, Urges Vigilance through this Weekend

RALEIGH, NC – August 6, 2011 – The Red Cross is on the scene in the Triangle to help those affected by today’s flash floods. Storms that began by wreaking havoc on our state in Charlotte, continued to move through NC last night and this morning, causing flooding in areas of the Triangle. Several homes were flooded in Wake County, and the Red Cross is providing shelter for 2 families affected.

With the possibility of more rain over the weekend, the Red Cross urges everyone to stay safe and remain informed about the weather and hazardous conditions in their area.

The Red Cross offers the following tips for those in the affected area to stay safer:

• Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damages.
  
• Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
  
• If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
  
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
  
• Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
  
• When it is safe to return home, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage.
  
• During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
  
• Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out!
  
• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
  

Let your family know you are safe. Register on the Safe and Well website through www.redcross.org.