CHARLOTTE, NC — Officials with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army say they’re keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irma and making plans should she hit the Carolinas.
The Red Cross says they’re holding deployments from NC and assembling relief materials, people, and plans to shelter over 120,000 people should Irma hit the state and eastern coast. A statewide relief operation based in Charlotte is also tracking the storm to figure out where the most help and relief could be needed.
“We hope that within the next 24 hours the hurricane projection models give us a better idea about which parts of the state will be most impacted,” said Rick Schou, regional disaster officer, Western North Carolina Region. “We urge everyone to follow the path of this storm and to prepare now.”
A spokesperson for the Salvation Army says they’re also on standby and working along side NC and SC Emergency Management to make plans for potential impacts.
Residents are being urged to continue following the path of Hurricane Irma, build a disaster kit, and develop an emergency plan.
The Red Cross offers the following safety tips to consider as you make your plans:
- Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
- If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary.
- Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe to do so.
- 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.
- Turn around, don’t drown. If 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.
- Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to see flood danger.
- Make sure you have a plan and supplies for your pets. Download the free Red Cross Pet First Aid App for emergency preparedness tips, a pet-friendly hotel locator and an animal hospital locator.
During the storm:
- Stay indoors.
- Don’t walk on beaches, riverbanks or in flood waters.
- Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out. Do NOT use candles.
- Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.
- Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors and maintain direct control of them. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets, including sturdy leashes or pet carriers, food and water, bowls, cat litter and pan, and photos of you with your pet in case they get lost.
