Download the Free Emergency App to Stay Safe and Check Shelter Locations

HOUSTON, TEXAS, SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 – The first flooding and severe weather system has entered the Texas Panhandle and as it pushes south, it’s expected to drop torrential rains across much of the state. The American Red Cross urges residents across the Greater Houston Area to take steps now to prepare for weather events in their community.

“The grounds are already saturated, so communities are even more susceptible to flooding in this next round of storms,” said Steve Vetrano, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Gulf Coast Region. “We can help you and your family create a flood preparedness plan now, before the next round of rainfall.”

As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for floods by:

  • Downloading the free Red Cross Emergency App to your mobile device. The Red Cross emergency app sends location-based flood and flash flood watches and warning alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The app also includes tips on how assemble an emergency kit for your family in the event of a power outage or evacuation, an “I’m Safe” button to let loved ones know you are okay, and a real-time map to help you find the location of Red Cross shelters should you need to leave your home. The app has a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting org/apps.
  • Creating and practicing a Disaster Plan: Talk to everyone in your household about what to do if a flood occurs. Decide where you would meet and who you would contact in case of flooding. Assemble and maintain an emergency preparedness kit. Be prepared to evacuate your family and pets at a moment’s notice. To locate the nearest Red Cross emergency shelter, check your emergency app or visit redcross.org/shelter. Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.
  • Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Kits should contain a first aid kit and a seven-day supply of essential medications, foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration and manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, copies of important documents like your insurance policies, cell phone chargers, family and emergency contact information, maps of the area and other emergency items for the whole family.
  • Heeding Flood Warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated flood information.  A flood WATCH means flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. A food WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
  • Relocating During Flood Warnings: Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankle, 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 and pets out of the water, as they are curious and can be harmed by flowing or contaminated water.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

For more information on what to do before, during and after a flood, please visit redcross.org/prepare/ disaster/flood.

You can also follow the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross on Twitter at @TXGulfCoast_ARC, visit http://www.redcross.org/local/tx/houston or call 1-800-REDCROSS. We urge you to share these Red Cross flood preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.