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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RED CROSS OFFERS SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HURRICANE SEASONNASSAU, BAHAMAS - 20 JUNE 2002 -- Safety and preparedness steps taken now could make life saving and recovery easier for all of us when the next hurricane strikes, said Mrs. Marina Glinton, Director General, of the Bahamas Red Cross Society, "June ushers in hurricane season, which continues through November," said Mrs. Glinton. "All communities in the Bahamas are at risk for hurricanes, which are accompanied by high winds, and heavy coastal flooding as well as inland flooding." Hurricanes can come ashore with winds blowing from 74 to more than 200 miles per hour. Damage from storm surge, high tides, wind -driven water, flooding, and torrential rains may affect the Bahamas entire coastline and most areas inland. "They're an awesome threat," said Mrs. Glinton. With a highly active hurricane season forecasted, the Red Cross advises the public to take the following precautions. 1. Keep battery-powered equipment in good shape, including radios and flashlights. Keep extra batteries on hand. 2. Keep a supply of boards, tools, and other equipment to cover windows if necessary. 3. Stock up on canned goods and other foods that don't require cooking or refrigeration and a minimum potable supply of water. 4. If a family member requires prescription medication, a two week supply should always be on hand during the hurricane season. 5. Trim the trees in your yard, especially those near your home, so branches won't fly around during the storm, and inspect your roof and fix any loose tiles. 6. Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter and listen to news reports daily for potential storm threats. Meteorologist try to give plenty of warning before a hurricane strikes, but, because of the erratic nature of tropical storms, it is often impossible to predict the exact location and time of landfall of a hurricane. The Red Cross advises that as soon as a "hurricane watch" is announced and a land strike is imminent, residents should stay tuned to radio and television for further advisories and should take the following steps: 1. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Stay away from coastal areasas deadly storm surges -- wall of about 20 feet of water -- can occur. 2. If you are to evacuate, take important documents with you as well as such thing as prescriptions, eyeglasses, food, changes of clothing, and toy and books for the children. 3. If your area is not ordered to evacuate, stay indoors during the storm, preferably in a brick or concrete building. Stay away from windows. 4. If high winds are likely, board up windows. 5. Collect drinking water in clean bottles, cooking utensils, and clean bathtubs. 6. Turn refrigerators up to the coldest setting to presurve food as long as possible if the power fails. 7. Bring outdoor objects, such as garbage can, yard furniture, TV antennaes, toys, and tools, inside for safe keeping. 8 In the event of evacuations, make arrangements for a safe place for your pets. If you must leave them behind, put them in an interior room with plenty of food and water. Do not tranquillize them as they will need to be alert to survive. 9. During the hurricane don't be fooled by a lull in the storm as the "eye" passes over -- this calm only lasts a few minutes. Stay inside because the fury of the wind will return, this time from the opposite direction.
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NEW CARD SELECTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS 2003 A GROUPERS WORLD GREGORY ARCH
KOSEN RUFU
Copyright © 2002 THE BAHAMAS RED CROSS SOCIETY
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