Red Cross Advises Evacuees to Stay Put Until Conditions Are Safe

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Although what was once
Hurricane Gustav has weakened to a tropical depression, the American Red Cross
urges all evacuees to stay away from affected areas until authorities deem it
safe to return.

"We know people are eager to go home, especially if they think the danger has
passed," said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services.
"However, we ask that people be patient, since conditions are still unsafe in
many places." If authorities have not given the all-clear for residents to
return, they could be denied entry into their community. It is still hazardous
to return to many areas, as Gustav has caused flooding and massive power
outages, as well as downed power lines and trees. Tornadoes are also possible
in the wake of the storm.

For residents still in the path of Tropical Depression Gustav who are
experiencing power outages, the Red Cross offers this advice:

-- Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles.

-- Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.

-- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.

-- Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.

-- If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to
the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's
electrical system.

-- Listen to local radio and television for updated information.

The Red Cross has 343 shelters open in 10 states, housing a population of
nearly 60,000 people. Its many workers are providing evacuees with food,
shelter and emotional support, and are prepared to do so until it is safe for
people to go home. The Red Cross is also preparing to move into storm-hit
areas in order to provide services to returning residents. Gustav has cost the
Red Cross $20 million to date.

The Red Cross is now readying itself as a busy Atlantic Ocean brings tropical
storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary
donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims
of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the
Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross
Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food,
counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross
honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific
disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or
1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be
sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross,
P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online
contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross

American Red Cross Public Affairs Desk, +1-202-303-5551