Red Cross Making Preparations as Tropical Storm Ida Heads Toward Gulf Coast

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross is
preparing for Tropical Storm Ida to make landfall along the Gulf Coast,
opening shelters in four states.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO)

The Red Cross is opening shelters in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and
Mississippi. Residents in those states should heed the warnings of local
officials, especially if evacuation orders are issued.

Although recently downgraded from a hurricane, Tropical Storm Ida is packing
70 mph winds and heavy rain and is expected to make landfall along the
northern Gulf Coast Tuesday morning and then turn toward the east. Tropical
storm warnings are issued from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle and
governors in Louisiana and Florida have declared states of emergency.

"Anyone in the path of the storm should make the necessary preparations right
away and also register themselves on Safe and Well if they plan on
evacuating," said Joe Becker, senior vice president of Disaster Services for
the Red Cross. "Ida is predicted to drop up to six inches of rain along the
Gulf Coast."

The Red Cross also is urging people who may be impacted by the storm to take
the necessary steps to get ready.

The Red Cross Safe and Well web site is an online tool that those affected by
disaster can use to register their status. If there is no internet access,
people can ask a loved one to register for them, or call 1-800-RED CROSS
(1-800-733-2767) to register. If family members know someone's telephone
number or complete home address, they can search the site for messages posted
by those who register.

The Red Cross encourages those who plan to stay in a Red Cross shelter to
bring the following items for each member of their family: prescription and
emergency medication, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies,
important documents and other comfort items. Additionally, special items for
children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys, should be brought,
along with other special items for family members who are elderly or disabled.

Those in areas potentially affected by the storm can follow these safety steps
if flooding is predicted for their community:

-- Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio
for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.
-- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.
-- When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for the area, head for
higher ground and stay there.
-- Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where
water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way.
-- If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go
another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising
rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher
ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving
water.
-- Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack
judgment
about running water or contaminated water.

-- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood
danger.

For more information on what to do to be prepared and stay safe during this
storm, visit www.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to
victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches
lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports
military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable
organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on volunteers and the
generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more
information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at
http://blog.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross

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